Five Ships Ordered to "Surge" to Support War on Terror.

The Virginian-Pilot ^ | May 25, 2005 | Jack Dorsey

[sneakers]

By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot © May 25, 2005

NORFOLK — The Navy has ordered five ships and 2,800 sailors to deploy on unexpected missions to support anti-terrorism efforts in the Balkans and Middle East. Four of the ships will leave today.

The deployments are in response to requests from the European Command and the Central Command and are not exercises, Vice Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander of the 2nd Fleet, said Tuesday.

While most ships know several months in advance – sometimes a year or more – when they will deploy, these ships were given between six and eight weeks’ notice to get ready, Fitzgerald said.

[sneakers]

I searched for this. Sorry if it's already been posted!

[thoughtomator]

"Surge" means what, exactly?

[FreedomPoster]

To quickly put more ships in a combat zone without (much) prior planning.

[thoughtomator]

Could this mean we're finally ready to take on Iran and/or Syria?

[monkeywrench]

The Balkans? Have things started up there, again?

[Preech1]

Does this come under the heading of "Loose lips..."?

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

This coupled with the action going down in Western Iraq....

If any of these ships are headed to The Med, Syria had better buckle up...it could be a bumpy ride.

[Doctor Raoul]

To meet a unplanned, traniest requirement.

[Doctor Raoul]

To meet a unplanned, tranient requirement.

[LasVegasMac]

To quickly put more ships in a combat zone without (much) prior planning.

That would be the Liberal / 'Rat definition of the word.

LVM

[D-fendr]

Somebody ordered a can of Woop-Ass?

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Time to kick Syria's posterior!

[cmsgop]

DU will freak out! They will think it's the Israeli/US ganging up against Iran!

LMAO!

[Frank_Discussion]

Let me help:

Transient?

[oolatec]

Things never slowed down there.

[shaggy eel]

,,, there was a thread yesterday about Syria dropping support for the US. I didn't get into it and this is the first I've seen in regard to any preparation or response. Sending these ships to Sicily or any other base in that area will put them closer to striking distance if things hot up, for sure.

[cmsgop]

Only 2800 Sailors?, Navy Guys Chime in Please.....

[Syncro]

Check all of This out...

[monkeywrench]

Thanks. With all the talk of Iraq, one never hears of it, anymore.

[bnelson44]

The flotilla includes the amphibious assault ship Saipan, amphibious transport dock Nashville and the guided missile frigate Nicholas, all from Norfolk. The guided missile cruiser Philippine Sea will deploy from Mayport, Fla., and the dock landing ship Gunston Hall will join the group from the Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach a week later.

The Saipan, Nashville, Nicholas and Philippine Sea will deploy for approximately three months, while the Gunston Hall will remain at sea about six months.

Looks like US Marine support to me. But I am no sailor