USS COLE (DDG-67) , Norfolk, VA, May 27 2004, sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76 ) man the rails, as USS Cole (DDG 67) returns from deployment.
Posted on 02/28/2008 2:40:56 PM PST by Pyro7480
The United States has sent the USS Cole warship to the coast of Lebanon in a "show of support" for regional stability, US officials said today.
A senior Bush administration official said the US was concerned about the political deadlock in Lebanon, which Washington blames on Syrian interference.
"The United States believes a show of support is important for regional stability. We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon. It has dragged on very long," said the senior official, who spoke on condition anonymity.
Lebanon's western-backed governing coalition and its Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition have failed to reach a deal to end the country's political conflict.
"Our sense is that there is increased nervousness, with Hezbollah people making threats and a general sense that this is not going to get resolved," said the official.
The United States has increased pressure on Syria in recent weeks, targeting individuals with sanctions.
The presidential election in Lebanon was postponed again this week to March 11th - the 15th such delay - after rival leaders failed to reach a deal.
The deadlock has threatened to degenerate into sectarian violence and continues to poison inter-Arab relations in the run-up to an Arab summit in Syria next month.
A US defence official said the USS Cole left Malta on Tuesday and was headed toward Lebanon, adding it would not be within visible range of Lebanon but "well over the horizon."
The official said the Cole could be replaced by the USS Nassau, an amphibious assault ship. The Nassau is in the Atlantic and en route to the Mediterranean, the official added.
USS COLE (DDG-67) , Norfolk, VA, May 27 2004, sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76 ) man the rails, as USS Cole (DDG 67) returns from deployment.
Payback is a b***h
Carries aegis missiles?
The souls of dead shipmates are along for the ride....
It carries a very large repaired hole and I hope, a grudge
As long as it doesn’t get too close. Remember that Hezbollah/IRG have anti-ship cruise missiles in the area.
No, Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Godspeed, sailors.
I really hope they have a better policy about small vessels approaching like shoot first and let God sort out everything else.
Actually she is a Burke-class destroyer which means she does come equipped with the Aegis system for engaging aerial targets. Her main offensive weapon against surface targets would be the Tomahawk cruise missle as indicated by our FRiend, Maquiladora.
Clarification: The Aegis system uses the Standard Missile to engage aircraft. “Aegis” is not the name of a missile though reporting could lead you to believe that it is.
Bravo Zulus to the USS Cole, SHOOT FIRST!!
You and I both know there will be no payback. Ever.
Go get some, but would rather see the USS Iowa off the coast...Deja Vu. I liked the way she made swimming pools over there the last time.
Aegis is the radar system. It carries Standard and Tomahawk missiles, maybe Harpoons.
However, I do hope one of these babies is prowling the Mediterranean as well, waiting for the order to "unleash hell."
Ohio-class SSGN
They are setting up an air defense shield for the region....
USS Cole
USS Ross
USS Bulkeley
USS Philippine Sea
It may take a while, indeed, quite a while, but payback is certain, as that creep who killed P.O. Stedham, oh so long ago, discovered...
the infowarrior
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