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China-Japan-Koreas
U.S.S. Enterprise in S.Korea amid missile issue
2006-07-18
SEOUL, South Korea - The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise arrived in South Korea Tuesday for a routine port call, officials said, amid heightened tensions in the region over North Korea's missile launches. The Carrier Strike Group 12 led by the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier arrived at the southern port of Busan, the U.S. Navy in South Korea said in a statement. The vessel's visit "has been previously scheduled and it is not in response to any specific event," the statement said.
No, no, certainly not ...
It wasn't clear how long the vessel will stay at the port. It is the first time in 17 years for the Norfolk, Virginia-based Enterprise to travel to Pacific waters. The carrier's deployment to the Asia-Pacific region is "part of a regular rotation of vessels in support of U.S. commitments to around the world," the Navy said.
Nothing to see here. Yet...
Posted by:tu3031

#5  In real terms, carriers also have a very real defensive "bubble" around them of a minimum of 200 miles, maximum ?, and it doesn't matter if land is part of that bubble.

So, in effect, they make an excellent temporary ABM shield for southern Korea. By running one of their guided missile ships up either coast, they could provide effective coverage for most US forces in the South.

I would propose that this means that our layered long-range missile defenses from Nork are complete, so we are able to commit temporary ABM support for the South. This means that they can't hit the US, or Japan, or now US forces in Skor.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2006-07-18 18:43  

#4  ...A couple of points to take note of:

First, the Big E isn't that exposed, because there's a couple of Ticos and/or Burkes with her, and I'd bet the rent one of them is ABM capable. Secondly, Kimmie knows that Enterprise is Atlantic Fleet, and probably figures we don't move CVs around without a reason. (We do it all the time, but what the hell, let him worry.) Third - and quite possibly most important of all - is the psychological effect. Even the 40-year old Enterprise is one BIG ship, and the spies that are on the waterfront there are getting that punch up close and personal. I saw the effect the JFK had on some visiting Soviet sailors in the late 80s, and those guys looked like they'd been poleaxed. In addition, this is the Enterprise, one of the most legendary names in USN history. That is getting their attention too.

Mike
Posted by: Mike Kozlowski   2006-07-18 12:23  

#3  Often a good way to preclude anything from happening, or serve notice of what's available if something does.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble   2006-07-18 11:01  

#2  Navy must not think anything will happen since they are parking that beast in an exposed port right now.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats   2006-07-18 10:52  

#1  I hope Lil' Kim takes it personal anyway.
Posted by: bigjim-ky   2006-07-18 10:31  

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