ABU DHABI — The U.S. Navy build-up in the Persian Gulf region was not expected to affect the
American military presence in neighboring Arab states.
Officials said the deployment of two carrier strike groups in the Gulf
would not lead to an increase in the U.S. military presence in Bahrain. The
GCC state hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, responsible for the Gulf region.
"We are ready, we are sustainable, we are flexible and we provide
awesome combat capability," Carrier Strike Group 3 commander Rear Adm. Kevin
Quinn said. "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."
"This is all about us providing maritime security operations," Cmdr
Kevin Aandahl, a spokesman for the Fifth Fleet, said. "But as far as forces
on land, if we have any intent or any plans to increase the number in
Bahrain, I think the answer is no. There is none."
The U.S. Navy headquarters in Bahrain has stationed about 3,000
personnel in an arrangement that began about 35 years ago. The growing
Iranian-backed Shi'ite opposition in Bahrain has repeatedly called for the
expulsion of the American military presence.
In 2004, the Defense Department withdrew about 1,000 dependants and
non-essential staff from Bahrain amid threat of an Islamic insurgency
strike. The Americans have not been allowed to return to the Gulf Arab
kingdom.
In December 2006, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower entered the Gulf for
security operations. Officials said the USS John C. Stennis would arrive in
the area over the next few weeks.
"There's a lot of things going on in the region," Aandahl said. "And
having this extra capability will help us respond to any emergency. It is
all about having an inherent flexibility. I think that makes sense for the
region."
Officials said the deployment of two carrier strike groups required more
than a year of preparations. They said the navy has prepared the groups for
combat readiness.
