It’s safe to say that reports from the Gulf of Oman are disturbing.
After US Navy ships responded to the attacks on two oil tankers that mysteriously occurred off the coast of Iran, the situtation is taking "tense" to a whole new level.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, "It is the assessment of the United States government that the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for the attacks in the Gulf of Oman."
Like dark skies on the horizon, it looks like another frightening military storm is coming. But ask any Navy veteran, and they will agree that our Naval strength is unmatched. Whether it's the deafening roar of F/A18 Super Hornet fighter jets launching from the deck of a carrier or the booms of guns aboard guided missile destroyers and cruisers, every Sailor in the US Navy has been itching to finally use our fine American firepower for something more than an exercise.
Though ship to ship battles sound more like surface warfare from the era of pirates and privateers, I think it’s important to remember the inspiring words of Captain Jack Sparrow — “The seas may be rough, but I am the Captain. No matter how difficult, I will always prevail.”
With the recent addition of Carrier Strike Group 12 to the region, our air power projects from carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) with Carrier Air Wing 7 squadrons feature names like The Jolly Rogers, The Patriots, The Pukin Dogs, and The Griffins — just to name a few. According to USNI News, other forces embarked with the Carrier Strike Group are Guided-missile Destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), USS Mason (DDG-87), USS Nitze (DDG-94) Guided-missile Cruiser, and USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55).
And always ready to fight are the 4,500 Sailors and Marines aboard USS Kearsarge ARG with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Ultimatley, in the Gulf of Oman, the US Navy is the Captain, and all who challenge us will only open a haze gray can of whoop ass.
Follow Phil Briggs @philbriggsVet