Posted on 01/23/2007 3:56:33 AM PST by IrishMike
TEHRAN, Iran -- Determined not to budge under pressure, Iran announced new tests of short-range missiles Sunday, and hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed criticism that the country's economy has been hurt by U.N. sanctions imposed for its suspect nuclear program.
The missile tests come as the U.S. Navy is sending a second aircraft carrier to the volatile Persian Gulf. U.S. officials said the USS John C. Stennis, which arrives in Mideast waters in a matter of weeks, is meant as a warning to Iran.
The deployment appeared to alarm some in Iran's hard-line leadership, including a member of a powerful cleric-run body who warned last week that Washington plans to attack, possibly by striking Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. officials have long refused to rule out any options in the face-off with Tehran, but say military action would be a last resort.
Stressing Iran's preparedness, state television said the Revolutionary Guards planned to begin three days of testing the short-range Zalzal and Fajr-5 missiles Sunday.
It could not be confirmed if the exercise had begun near Garmsar city, about 60 miles southeast of Tehran. Last year, Iran held three large-scale military exercises to test what it called an "ultra-horizon" missile and the Fajr-3, a rocket that it claims can evade radar and use multiple warheads to hit several targets simultaneously.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
The Stennis, I am sure, is a formidable ship, with a most capable and steadfast crew; however, kinda wish the Reagan would have been sent for this one.
Ah, yes, the age old question, where are the carrier groups?
The Stennis is a sister ship to the Reagan.
We may have brave and strong military capabilities, but I doubt they are too worried. We can only threaten because they know we haven't the will to use it. According to our media driven polls, the American people are just too tired of the fighting.
070119-N-7730P-115 San Diego (Jan. 19, 2007) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) makes an early morning arrival in San Diego. Stennis is stopping in San Diego to embark Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) and will be joined by USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Preble (DDG 88) to begin a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gary Prill (RELEASED)
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Stennis Strike Group Begins Transit Toward 5th Fleet
Story Number: NNS070120-01
Release Date: 1/20/2007 1:00:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Elements of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group left San Diego, Jan. 20, after picking up Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and began steaming west toward the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which left its Bremerton, Wash., homeport Jan. 16, spent one day in port on-loading the air wing, and departed San Diego with the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).
The guided missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, will join the group in transit.
Stennis and its strike group are scheduled to enter 5th Fleet’s area of operation and provide support to U.S. and coalition forces operating there.
“We will support Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Horn of Africa and maritime security operations with the purpose to provide regional and global stability,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3. “We’ve been preparing for this deployment for more than one year, we have trained and trained so that we are completely combat ready.”
Since the beginning of 2006, Stennis has been completing required training events, qualifications and inspections, all leading up to certification as a combat-ready ship. Stennis has also conducted numerous exercises with its air wing and strike group in preparation for this deployment.
“We are ready, we are sustainable, we are flexible and we provide awesome combat capability,” said Quinn. “Just the fact there are going to be two carrier strike groups operating in that region could deter any state or non-state sponsored organizations from doing something we wouldn’t want them to do.”
With its air wing embarked and its strike group assembled Stennis will steam toward the Persian Gulf and provide unmatched capability and flexibility wherever it is needed in the region.
“Not much else matters aside from the fact that when we send up aircraft, they’ll be supporting our troops already fighting,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Edison Grace of air department. “I have friends on the ground out there and I’m looking forward to sending up planes to hopefully assist them in what they’re doing.”
Grace has been aboard the Stennis since May but has done two deployments to the Persian Gulf during his tour aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).
“I think we all know why we’re there and we’ll be taking it one day at a time, rather two launches at a time,” Grace said. “I’ve been looking forward to this deployment the entire year, in fact, for the last four years.”
with a lame duck president that will be ignored/harassed by the press no matter what he does, the Iranians should realize he has no limitations on following through on threats.
navair, baby!!!!
I really wish I still felt this was the case. Anymore, I am no longer too sure about that.
The same kind of will that kept the US out of Afghanistan and Iraq?
That was prior to the 2006 elections. I understand that. I just know how divided this country is on military action. If Bush still has drive to keep his will, great. He has a tremendous amount of pressure on him now from all fronts.
Exactly. Plus he knows he has a limited time to take care of business before a possible Dem president.
Well that's an understatement. Though W has been severely handicapped with his time primarily devoted to the WOT, he has without a doubt performed poorly with domestic issues.
I believe if the Prez is going to be remembered for anything, he needs to turn the heat up on the radical Muzzies around the globe to the point the bastards will not be able to sleep at night. The smart and cheapest way is to accomplish that with emphasis on covert ops.
If W is going to leave office with any respect from me he will go against the grain of the Dems and the public on the increase in troops. He isn't so stupid that he doesn't know that the Iraqis will left hung out to dry after the 2008 elections. Just wish he do something significant about securing the borders and deportation / criminal punishment of repeat offenders entering the country illegally. He is one miserable POS when it comes to illegal immigration.
Good picture, thanks.
You said it all. I agree totally. He will willingly go along with the RATs on Illegal immigration. I just have a hard time with the attitude of slack borders if we are indeed in a WOT. Who knows, maybe that is one of the reasons for the blindness of so many people as to the danger we face.
-Eric
Thanks for the great photo...now my new screen background.
I don't think Stinky realizes this, but the Mullahs, do. Hence, all the critisism Stinky has been getting in recent days from within.
I look for Iran to do something stupid to provoke us. Then, they will find out about GWB's "limitations"...
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