The US Navy has concentrated huge firepower in the Persian Gulf
The U.S. Navy is concentrating many of its most powerful ships in and around the Persian Gulf. It is not yet clear for what purposes this is being carried out, but the media has repeatedly suggested that Washington is preparing a strike on Iran.
The appearance of a nuclear submarine with Ohio-class cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday was the clearest signal of the us Navy's intention to either send the most decisive message to the leadership of Iran, or launch missile strikes on targets in the territory of the Islamic state (the organization is banned in Russia), for example, on nuclear facilities, Forbes reports.
As the American edition notes, the relocation of the American fleet takes place just a month before the transfer of power in Washington.
USS Georgia (SSGN 729), one of four nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines in the U.S. Navy, was navigating a narrow, shallow Strait off the coast of Iran in broad daylight with a special operations forces mini-submarine mounted on top of her hull. At the same time, the Georgia submarine was accompanied by the us Navy missile cruisers USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58).
The submarine and its accompanying cruisers are equipped with 398 UVP-unified shipboard vertical launch systems for launching cruise missiles and other weapons of destruction.
It is believed that the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) is one of the most versatile platforms in the us Navy. It is armed with 154 BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. As a carrier of sea-based cruise missiles, the Georgia submarine was transferred to the US Navy on March 28, 2008.
The submarine can also accommodate special operations forces units of up to 66 people. The two mines closest to the Georgia submarine control room are equipped with airlock chambers. They are joined by mini-submarines ASDS (Advanced SEAL Delivery System)or modules DDS (Dry Deck Shelter) to ensure the exit of combat swimmers when the boat is submerged. These tools can be installed both together and separately, with a total number of no more than two.
It is impossible to hide a cruiser in a Strait only 21 miles wide, but apparently there is a channel deep enough for a submarine in this Strait.
"The presence of the USS Georgia in the area of responsibility of the us Navy's 5th fleet demonstrates the ability of the us Navy to make sea crossings and operate where permitted by international law," the US Navy said.
Meanwhile, three of the Navy's 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers-USS Nimitz, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower-are also in the region. Such a concentration of US naval power in the Persian Gulf has not been seen for many years.
It is probably no coincidence that the us Navy is demonstrating its power just a few weeks before the expiration of the term of office of Donald trump and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, the publication believes.
"I believe that at best, this is a clear signal to Iran. At the same time, I believe that now is not the time to act," said Telemus group analyst and former us Navy pilot Jerry Hendricks.
"The transition of power in the United States from one administration to another can be considered a time of high stress," says Eric Wertheim, author of the book "Battle fleets of the world". "It's not uncommon to see a show of force and messaging from the national security apparatus to make sure that potential adversaries understand that the United States is ready to resist aggression."
The ships will need maintenance and repairs after intensive combat service, and the crews will need rest.
This is especially true for the aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The age of the first ship is 34 years, and the second-41 years. "Given the age of both aircraft carriers, such a strain of combat service can significantly reduce their service life," said Jerry Hendricks.
Donald trump before leaving, as previously suggested by the American media, is ready to go to war on Iran. The reason for the invasion is the nuclear program, which resumed development after the collapse of the"nuclear deal".
Donald trump decided to launch a pre-emptive strike against Iran after the IAEA published another report on the development of the Iranian nuclear program. It says that after the refusal of the Islamic Republic to comply with the terms of the Joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), the country's reserves of highly enriched (weapons-grade) uranium increased. There was no limit to the President's indignation, but Mike Pence and Mike Pompeo persuaded him not to get hot, the new York Times newspaper wrote, according to American officials.
There is no confirmed data on American plans. But Israel acknowledged that it had received instructions to prepare for a possible confrontation. The United States has deployed b-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers to the middle East. The Central command of the us armed forces (CENTCOM) said that military aircraft arrived in the region "to deter aggression and support the allies."
Mikhail Khodarenok
