I have been deployed there repeatedly in my 22 years in the USN. The TWO carriers are doing routine scheduled turnover. We do not gap the carriers in the IO.
The gators are also standard mix and standard scheduled turnover for the ESG/MEU that is CENTCOM’s reserve. The big deck gator is not a carrier capable of significant strikes on Iran.
Every time there is a carrier turnover for the last 6 years, there is a press claim that we are about to strike. Debeka always makes this claim. So do the Russian and Iranian press. And oil prices go up.
This is BS propaganda to prop up the oil prices which are looking to slide down again. The source is oil exporting countries. When you see 4 CVNs in the IO, and the PG empties out of all major USN units, then you can cry wolf.
This is normal levels of activity, not a build-up. It is normal for there to be a CVBG and an ESG in the IO. It is normal for them to turnover every 4-6 months. Been there and done that many times...
Of course, I know that these things are normally going to happen, but one thing that doesn't normally happen at the same time, is the accounts of what Israel is doing at the same time, along with Israel's own firm word on the matter that they are not going to allow Iran to have nuclear weapons, because they know it's a threat to their "very survival" ... and since Iran has made it clear that they would like to eliminate Israel.
So, while the U.S. may have been doing these things regularly for years -- it hasn't dovetailed with Israel's need to eliminate Iran's threat -- in the past.
I think you have to take many other things into consideration here ... :-)
It's that I just don't have the military background to comment intelligently; that's why I put great credence in those who have the background.
When there are 4 CVNs on Gonzo Station, then you have an argument. OPLAN calls for 4-6 CVBGs. ESGs do not count...
This is a normal turnover off the coast of Pakistan where they are supporting operations in Afghanistan. Well out of position and well understrength.
This “sky is falling” reporting happens every turnover. Call me when it is 4 CVNs in the IO.