The Gator Navy was what I was part of and also my fiancé, Kellie’s brother.  He was hit by a bullet over in the war in Iraq.  The USS Fort McHenry, which we were both on at separate times (I ended my enlistment just before Desert Storm and Kellie’s brother was on my same ship for the war with Iraq and is now home) is for landing on the beach and launching in troops.  Aircraft Carriers provide the air support.  They work together as a team.  It looks like there is a buildup for something to be happening soon…

DEBKAfile Exclusive: Three US Norfolk-based amphibious assault ships set out for Persian Gulf Saturday

They are part of the USS Bataan Strike group carrying 2,000 Marines and equipped to insert forces ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The Baatan is equipped with helicopters and fast hovercraft capable of landing thousands of Marines on beaches and providing the landing with cover. The Shreveport, known as the Super Gator, combines the logistical-intelligence support of a command ship with the assault capabilities of combat loaded marines. It is designed for extended amphibious operations. The USS Oak Hill is designed to assist distressed vessels.

DEBKAfile's military sources add that another three warships are due to sail out of Norfolk for the Gulf this week with marine personnel aboard. This will bring to more than 20,000 the complement of sailors, marines and pilots either heading for the Gulf region like the USS John C. Stennis strike group, or already present like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS Boxer.

The deployment of the USS John C. Stennis strike group, announced last week, was billed as "a warning to Syria and Iran."
 

Blessings,

Tony