Lebanon: What U.S. Warships off the Coast Do -- and Do Not -- Mean |
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Written by STRATFOR | |
Saturday, 01 March 2008 | |
![]() The USS Nassau (LHA-4) Amphibious Assault Ship. U.S. Department of Defense Summary Analysis The total number of U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean will thus likely rise above three — something that is sure to get Syrian President Bashar al Assad to sit upright in his seat. U.S. naval presence off the Syrian coast could grow even more in only two weeks or so if other ships in the ESG arrive. Syria is already facing mounting pressure from multiple sides to back down on its aggressive campaign in Lebanon. While Washington and the Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, are pressuring Syria to strike a deal over the Lebanese presidency to pull that country out of political stagnation, Israel is strongly hinting that it is preparing for a rematch with Hezbollah. The prospect of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a signal to the Syria-Hezbollah-Iran axis that any bold moves to force its political demands in Lebanon or retaliate for the Feb. 12 assassination of Hezbollah top commander Imad Mughniyah will likely be met with a heavy blow to Hezbollah. The Nassau ESG had been expected to deploy with the North Carolina-based 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but those Marines were recently retasked for a last-minute deployment to Afghanistan. Thus, despite rumors circulating in the press, there are few if any Marines deployed with this particular ESG. In addition, various components of the ESG have left in a staggered manner, meaning that portions of the group have not yet joined up with the Nassau. When fully assembled, the Nassau ESG will include some 2,800 sailors and will comprise:
Even without the MEU aboard, this would represent an impressive naval force unlike anything the United States has parked off the Levant in some time. In addition to the Albany’s capabilities, the surface combatants soon to arrive off the Syrian coast are equipped with Aegis, Harpoon anti-ship and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as 5-inch guns. That represents the most naval hitting power currently positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean. By Stratfor Today This Report Expresses the views of Stratfor.
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