Read Online The Gulf by David Poyer - Free Book Online Page A

forces in the area, under the control of Commander, Middle Eastern Force, are deployed to guarantee freedom of navigation and to protect our allies in a region essential to our interests.
    â€œRecent events in this part of the world—the Iranian revolution, the Iran-Iraq War—have reminded us that we live in a time of challenge to the West. The loss of Strong year before last underlined this. But this is not a new commitment. The Navy has maintained a presence here since 1949, and our buildup signals our willingness to continue defending our interests in the area.
    â€œAs the Secretary of Defense said recently, ‘Our ships operate in the Persian Gulf to represent, immediately and directly, America’s commitment to stability in the region and our deep concern over—’”
    She held up her hand. Byrne stopped. “Yes, ma’am,” he said.
    â€œI understand why you’re here, Captain. Could we skip the basics, please?”
    â€œUh, Admiral…?”
    â€œThis update is for the Senator’s senior defense staffer, Jack. Let’s give her what she wants.”
    â€œYes, sir.” Byrne fiddled with the pointer, then skipped the next two slides. “The next item, then, will be strength and dispositions.
    â€œWe currently have fifteen U.S. cruisers, destroyers, and frigates in the Gulf op area. Other assets we can call on include a carrier battle group in the Arabian Sea. Some time ago, we requested an augment to the minesweeping forces, and four MSOs are arriving from the States.
    â€œAssociated forces. We can call on backup units from several of the Gulf states. They have modest navies or coast guards, mainly high-speed small craft, but these are useful in patrol and interdiction. Finally, several Allied navies are also operating here, not under our command, but cooperating at a multinational level. France, Great Britain, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands currently have escort or minesweeping units in the Gulf. The French also have Foch off Socotra. The total complement of friendly forces is about sixty ships.”
    Blair said, “What’s the basing, logistics structure?”
    â€œFuel and consumables are bought out of locally available stocks. Parts and ammunition are Navy Supply.”
    â€œI mean, where?”
    â€œWe don’t have any fixed bases. Bahrain is the closest thing we have to a shore establishment. Overhaul, major repairs, it’s either Diego Garcia, Subic, or back to the States.”
    â€œExactly what kind of cooperation are you getting from the GCC states, Admiral? Oman, Bahrain, the Saudis, the emirates?”
    â€œExcellent,” said Byrne.
    Looking down as he packed a pipe, Hart said, “We have mooring privileges in Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The other Gulf states limit us to one-day stays.”
    She didn’t ask for elaboration. After a moment, Byrne went on.
    â€œOur most recent initiative has been the escorting program, operation Earnest Will. This assigns two to four small boys—sorry, destroyer-type ships—to U.S./Kuwaiti tanker convoys. So far, we’ve completed three convoys with no loss or damage. We’re starting to get neutrals asking to tag along. Three times in the last month, though, we’ve had to put missiles on rails or take other defensive measures against approaching aircraft. In two cases, the aircraft were Iraqi. The third was Iranian jets out of Bushehr. On radar illumination and warning, they broke off and left the area.”
    â€œWhat is your estimate of Iranian intentions?”
    â€œUh, maybe the Admiral would—”
    â€œYes, I’ll take that, Jack.” Hart shifted in his chair to face her. “At the moment, Blair—may I call you Blair?”
    â€œSure, Stan.”
    Hart blinked. She could see it happening behind his pupils. Twenty-seven-year-old female civilian calling him by his first name in front of his staff. Then the counterbalance.