US extends Pacific naval build-up

Australian Broadcasting Company ^ | September 18 2003

[knighthawk]

The Northern Mariana Islands are to become part of a United States military build-up in the Pacific.

Saipan is currently home port for two US cargo ships, deployed to carry military equipment, but over the next few months up to eight military freighters will be based in Saipan.

They will join a US aircraft carrier battle group that is being shifted to the Pacific, adding to the existing bomber squadrons and submarines based in Guam.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Governor's spokesman, Peter Callaghan, says the cargo ships in Saipan strengthen the US military's rapid-response capabilities.

"I think increased tensions in Korea might have something to do with it and I also think for many years the US has been looking to reduce their presence in Okinawa, which is relatively nearby to Saipan," he said.

"Some Navy and Marine personnel units may be moved out of Okinawa and the pre-positioned ships will take over that role of being close to where they may be needed."

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Squantos]

BTTT..........Stay Safe !

[Travis McGee]

Any single young sailors assigned to Guam or Saipan are lucky indeed!

[GOPJ]

Understatement of the day:

"I think increased tensions in Korea might have something to do with it...

[harpseal]

A step for a potential heating up of the Korean pennisula. The question is why are Chinese troops on the border of NK to help out in case of war?

[Thisiswhoweare]

Hmmm...since the 6 way nuclear talks concluded with North Korea less than 3 weeks ago:

1.) President Bush has reversed his policy on Iraq and asked the UN for intervention,
2) We have announced partial withdrawal of troops from the Balkans,
3) We have sped up changing troops out of Germany,
4) The Chief of the Army Reserves has announced that everyone in the reserves is on 'war footing',
5) Russia held a Theater Missile defense exercise bordering NK,
6) China moved a 150K troops into the area - including an armored division,
7) Japan anounced that any missiles targeted at Japan would invite provoke an immiediate attack.

Sure looks like it was a reaaaaaaaaaaaally successful conference. Anybody shorting Daewoo?

[GOPJ]

bump