Region | Iraq
We are ready for whatever may arise, US Navy chief says during Gulf visit
The US has 14,000 sailors who serve ashore in Iraq, Afghanistan and Djibouti, a top US navy commander said.
- By Mayada Al Askari, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:28 April 18, 2008
Dubai: The US has 14,000 sailors who serve ashore in Iraq, Afghanistan and Djibouti, a top US navy commander said.
On his first visit to the GCC countries after assuming his current assignment as US Chief of Naval Operations last September, Admiral Gary Roughead met a number of counterparts around the Gulf region.
"Our having these members ashore and still doing the job shows we are agile and flexible and ready for whatever will arise" the Admiral told Gulf News in Dubai.
"The purpose of my visit at this time is to gain perspective from my Gulf region counterparts on important naval issues of mutual interest," he added.
On being asked about the latest friction with the Iranian navy, the admiral said that while a US navy ship was operating in the central Gulf area, unidentified boats approached it. The usual procedures were applied to determine their identity, but there was no response and soon afterwards the boats left.
"This encounter shows the need for navies and maritime forces everywhere to operate professionally and allow for the free use of seas," he added.
Roughead said that this incident could not be considered provocative in the "encounter category."
Communication
"What I would like to see of the Iranian naval Revolutionary Guards is for them to act in a more responsive and mindful way regarding the importance of communicating intentions and movements," he added
On being asked about the Iranian military parade on their army day which took place yesterday, Roughead said the behaviour of the Iranian navy guards was unprofessional and in disaccord to peace in the region. The country's air force showed off its capacity at a time of mounting tension with the West.
In response to a question about the effects of stretching the capabilities of the US Armed Forces and Navy, the admiral said: "In the case of the navy, we remain a global force and we are able to respond to events, as it is a ready navy," he said.
The admiral also said that US interests in the Gulf have been longstanding, because of the importance of the region. He also elaborated about the best ways to overcome obstacles confronted by the US Naval forces in the war on terror, saying that sharing information between navies and countries will make both parties gain knowledge.
Roughead said that events such as the coalition operating in the Gulf yields the best results in this area.
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