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Roosevelt group to prepare to deploy
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© January 3, 2003
Last updated: 10:00 AM
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| The Roosevelt.
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| Background Coverage: A new year, an uncertain future |
The Roosevelt is not scheduled to deploy until late spring, but smooth sailing in the certification trials could take the George Washington, another Norfolk-based battle group, off the redeployment hook.
The GW, which returned from a six-month deployment two weeks ago, is the Atlantic Fleet's ``ready carrier,'' meaning it is on call in case of an emergency. It has been ordered to be ready to redeploy within 96 hours notice.
Once the Roosevelt completes the mandatory training, which takes about three weeks, it becomes the Atlantic Fleet's ``ready carrier,'' and the GW is likely to go into the shipyard for scheduled work.
Many crew members from the Roosevelt, its air wing and support ships are being told to prepare for the possibility that they won't return to port after the training if they are called upon to beef up forces in the Middle East.
A 12-ship battle group led by the Norfolk-based carrier Harry S. Truman deployed Dec. 5 and is in the Mediterranean Sea.
Three ships from the GW battle group remain deployed: the guided missile frigate Kauffman, the guided missile destroyer Barry and the destroyer Arthur W. Radford. They are scheduled, at least for now, to return to Hampton Roads this month.
Meanwhile, the Navy says it has notified the Puerto Rican government that it intends to use its bombing range on the island of Vieques as early as Jan. 13 to help train the TR battle group and its air wing in a new round of bombing and shelling practice. The maneuvers, involving aircraft and ships' guns, could last up to 29 days. No live ammunition will be used. Continue