NAVY WIRE SERVICE - A WIRE (NWSA) - 24 November 1997
NWSA3139. In Arabian Gulf, U.S. speaks diplomatically
but carries two big sticks
courtesy of USS George Washington Public Affairs
ARABIAN GULF (NWSA) -- Two of the largest
warships in the world joined forces Nov. 23 as the
aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS George
Washington (CVN 73) steamed in formation about 150
miles southeast of Iraq.
Nimitz sent a pre-dawn message to its sister
ship by flashing light, officially welcoming George
Washington to the Arabian Gulf. The Nimitz Battle
Group arrived on station Oct. 11, assuming the role
as Arabian Gulf Task Force Commander, two weeks
earlier than originally planned to prevent increased
violations in the Iraqi southern no-fly zone.
When Iraq upped the stakes by expelling American
United Nations inspectors and threatening U-2
reconnaissance flights, President Clinton directed
George Washington to the Arabian Gulf.
With a combined complement of 150 aircraft,
including 100 precision strike fighter aircraft, and
nearly 11,000 Sailors and Marines, the two flat-tops
spent the morning alongside each other for briefs
with the commander of the newly expanded task force,
RADM John B. Natham.
"Our presence is important -- we continue to
make a difference," said Natham. "Having two carriers
in the region sends a strong and clear signal that
the United States is ready to back-up UN diplomatic
efforts with this show of strength."
With the arrival of George Washington and its
escorts, the Navy's presence in the Gulf now consists
of 22 ships including the two 95,000-ton carriers,
three cruisers, five destroyers, three frigates,
three amphibious landing ships, two submarines, two
combat support ships and two mine countermeasure
ships.
-USN-
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