Editorial: Presence with a purpose

[unhappycamper]

Editorial: Presence with a purpose

The amphibious ships of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group left Norfolk, Va., in mid-February for a six-month cruise, comparatively empty.

The Marines who were supposed to deploy with the ESG’s amphibs will soon fly to Afghanistan; their gear is already riding on a cargo ship on a high-speed ticket to the war zone. The strike group also includes a cruiser and two destroyers, which will have a full plate with or without the Marines.

To be sure, this is not the first time amphibs have deployed without Marines. But the questions can’t help but arise: Why? And does the Marine-free deployment still need to be six months?

Strike group commander Capt. Bob Lineberry said his amphibs can do “so many other things,” including helping out in case of some “cataclysmic event.”

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead said the ships will operate with other militaries — they are to take part in Phoenix Express, a two-week annual exercise in the Mediterranean.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/community/opinion/navy_editorial_amphibs_030308/