you’re right ... best sign of action is the USN scats the Persian Gulf ... except for the 688s, of course ..
Too shallow for the 688s. No room to manuver.
Some of the DDGs and FFs will stay in to work with the GCC navies but that is all. The birdfarms will be at Gonzo. It will look like 1987-88 except the CVN count will be 4 on Gonzo Station. 2 does not hack it...
Note: This turnover is off the Pakistani coast. It is offensive season in Afghanistan and the carrier is providing air support.