USS Abraham Lincoln to deploy early-October Surprise?

[ribrepin]

From the Everett Herald

In a surprise announcement Saturday, the U.S. Navy said the Everett-based aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln will leave on deployment in mid-October, and not early next year as previously planned.

"Their schedule changed unexpectedly," said Navy Lt. Kim Marks, a spokeswoman for the Third Fleet in San Diego.

The Navy said the carrier would deploy to the western Pacific Ocean. But Marks said she could not say whether the Lincoln would be returning to the Persian Gulf and the war in Iraq.

President Bush's visit to the Lincoln as it returned from the Iraq war - where he used the carrier's flight deck for a national speech to declare the end of major combat in Iraq beneath a "Mission Accomplished" banner - has been recalled repeatedly as the 2004 presidential campaign and the insurgency in Iraq continue.



http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/04/09/05/loc_lincoln001.cfm

Here it comes--the October Surprise.

[7th_Sephiroth]

1. could it have a payload as oct. suprise

nu-q-lar payload?

[ribrepin]

2. No Idea

But the Lincoln seems to be a favorite when it comes to war and photo ops.

[HawkerHurricane]

3. Too Late.

For USS Abraham Lincoln to 'deliver' that October Surprise, it would have to leave in Late September, not mid October. It's a long way to the Middle East, leaving in mid October means she wouldn't be past Singapore by Nov. 2nd... So unless the target is in Hawaii or PI, it ain't it.

Now, a build up to war in Iran (war to start in late November), with 'evidence' and all to show why it's needed (One last job for you, Colin)... that would be a good surprise.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Not too late for deployment in the Western Pacific, stated destination.

There is only one element of ArBusto's favorite axis that is in the Western Pacific area.

Another possibility is that it will patrol the Taiwain straits to avoid an October/November surprise from mainland China.

[Pepperbelly]

6. I did the Formosa Patrol on many occasions and ...

I guarantee that they have asset close by all the time.

I don't think that's it but I did think that the Lincoln was going through a mini-refit but I guess I was mistaken.

[ribrepin]

5. Thanks HawkerHurricane

I don't much about how long it takes a ship to get to Middle East, but I get suspicious when a rather well-know ship is ordered deployed before it's scheduled and the coming election. I don't trust these guys.

You may very well be right about a build up to the war in Iran.

[ribrepin]

7. Kick