trig
01-19-2007, 08:10 PM
<p><strong>From <a href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/"><font color="#003399">globalsecurity.org</font></a></strong></p><p><strong>01 February 2007</strong><br />The year 2007 begins to mark the closing of the window of opportunity for military strikes against Iran. </p><p>CBS News reported on 18 December 2006 that the Bush administration has decided to ramp up the naval presence in the Persian Gulf to send a message to Tehran. CBS reported that an additional aircraft carrier would be added to the Gulf contingent in January 2007, arriving on station around 01 February 2007. The New York Times reported 20 December 2006 that the Bremerton-based aircraft carrier <a href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/batgru-74-westpac07.htm"><font color="#003399">CVN-74 John C. Stennis</font></a> and its strike group could leave weeks earlier than planned as part of a move to increase the U.S. military presence in and around the Middle East. Moving up the Stennis' departure date in January 2006 allows a longer overlap with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the carrier currently in the Persian Gulf. Eisenhower deployed 01 October 2006, and could remain on station into March 2007. It is difficult for one Carrier Air Wing [CVW] to conduct flight operations for much more than about 12 hours before having to stop. However, with the combined striking power of two CVWs, <strong>the <a href="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ctf.htm"><font color="#003399">Carrier Task Force (CTF)</font></a> is able to conduct air operations over a continuous 24-hour cycle</strong>. </p><p>If the White House is politically risk averse with reference to striking Iran, striking Iran in early February 2007 would allow the maximum time betweeenr the strikes and the 2008 Presidential election. </p>