http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=1902088
The official cover story is that it is a "readiness exercise". A two month long readiness exercise. With 7 carrier groups. And nobody is to know where they are going.
In September 2001, the US and UK "coincidentally ran what were then the largest wargames ever planned, Operations Bright Star and Swift Sword 2. At the same time, again "coincidentally", two US carrier groups arrived on station in the Gulf of Arabia. The resources needed to "respond" to the "surprise attack" just happened to be in place when needed, in operations planned months in advance.
So now 7 carrier groups, half the entire US carrier fleet, are headed out to sea, destination unknown.
So who are we going after this time? Discuss ...