While diplomats work towards a peaceful end to the standoff, President Clinton is continuing the planned military buildup. After the meeting, Saddam Hussein said he would allow inspections to resume. The Navy's potent forward deployed presence highlights the President's ability to use flexible military power. In a Department of Defense briefing on Nov. 20, defense spokesman Navy CAPT Mike Doubleday stated that the additional deployed assets will provide the U.S. with resources needed to carry out missions as required. So far, the threats of attack on the UN U-2 spy plane remain just that, threats, but the Navy isn't taking any chances.
Nimitz aviators are ready for any encounter with Iraq.
According to Pentagon officials, if the strikes are called for, Navy Tomahawk cruise missiles could be one of the first choices to be used against Iraq. Three more ships departed their homeports this week enroute to the Arabian Gulf. Stennis is scheduled to return to Norfolk Nov. 25. The 10th annual Professional Ethics Conference was held at the Naval War College Nov. 17 and 18 in Newport, R.I. Civilian and military leaders gathered there to discuss how the military is integrating morals and ethics into everyday life. This year's conference theme, 'Ethics and Leadership,' reflects the importance of having leaders with strong ethical and moral beliefs.