Reinforcements

The USS Dwight D Eisenhower, a nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier, commissioned in 1977, has arrived in the Persian Gulf. The linked news story states that it is accompanied by a guided missile cruiser, the USS Anzio on a regular deployment to the Gulf. A Carrier always goes out accompanied by several ships in it's Carrier Strike Group (CSG). Along with these two is Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Mason (DDG 87); and the fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750). The CSG will be assisting with missions in Iraq. That is a bunch of firepower available to assist troops on the ground in Iraq! As a former submariner, I usually pay attention when one is mentioned in the news. The Newport News is a Los Angeles class, fast attack submarine that carries, tomahawk missiles, with vertical launch capability as well as the standard MK-48 torpedoes. Just the fact that this Silent Hunter is in the area means it will be difficult to sneak weapons and such from the Gulf into Iraq.

A quote from Dwight D Eisenhower: "There is no victory at bargain basement prices."