[A.A. Cunningham]

Praying Mantis was not the only event that took place in the Persian Gulf during the 1980s. You've apparently forgotten about Earnest Will and Nimble Archer not to mention all the deployments into the gulf when offensive operations did not occur. In addition MEUs deployed to the Gulf as did the French Carrier Clemenceau during the Tanker War. American carriers operated in the Persian Gulf long before Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

USS Ranger CBG underway in the Persian Gulf during Operation Nimble Archer, December 1987.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Correction: MEUs should read MAUs.

[A.A. Cunningham]

111112-N-OY799-236 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Nov. 12, 2011) The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) steam alongside one another in the Strait of Hormuz. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

111009-N-DU438-097 STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Oct. 9, 2011) The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits through the Strait of Hormuz. George H.W. Bush is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on its first operational deployment conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Betsy Knapper/Released)

[dsc]

“USS Ranger CBG underway in the Persian Gulf during Operation Nimble Archer, December 1987.”

No. In the Arabian **Sea** perhaps, but that is a photo-op formation, and *not* something the Navy does while steaming at Condition 1 in hostile waters.

[doorgunner69]

Magnificent photo.

You have to love a group being led by a BB-61 class ship, probably the most gorgeous ship to put to sea.