NAVY WIRE SERVICE - A WIRE (NWSA) - 8 January 1998 -
NWSA8jan-1. Two carrier battle groups needed for Gulf duty
WASHINGTON (NWSA) -- The Navy will continue to maintain
two aircraft carrier battle groups in the Arabian Gulf for
the foreseeable future. Since Navy aircraft carrier battle
groups are visible displays of U.S. intent to ensure Iraq's
compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, the
National Command Authority has requested this action.
USS Nimitz has been on station in the Gulf since
October, and will return to its home port of Norfolk on time
from its six month deployment. Its replacement has not been
named.
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) will depart Norfolk in
late February on a regularly-scheduled six month deployment
and proceed directly to the Arabian Gulf, replacing USS
George Washington (CVN 73), currently on station there, in
mid-March. USS George Washington will return to its home
port of Norfolk, Va. on time from its six month deployment.
Aircraft carriers provide the theater military
commander with a flexible and independent striking
force capable of responding from international waters
to any National Command Authority requirement. Each
aircraft carrier's air wing consists of 75 aircraft.
Aircraft carrier battle groups also include ships and
submarines capable of launching Tomahawk cruise
missiles. Together these forces offer a powerful and
untethered military option to the United States that
can respond immediately from the sea in any crisis in
the Arabian Gulf region.
-USN-
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