USS Nashville to India, Following The Trends

If we are following history as the guide, it appears the US is going to sell India the USS Nashville (LPD 13).

Shortly after announcing the possible sale of the USS Trenton (LPD 14) to India, the USS Trenton (LPD 14) was tasked to start working up for its final 6 month deployment. Following this pattern, it is noteworthy that shortly after the announcement that India might purchase the USS Nashville (LPD 13), the USS Nashville has begun workups with the 24th MEU.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has been attached to Nassau for training operations in preparation for the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group’s (ESG) upcoming deployment early next year. The 24th MEU embarked Nassau for the a one-week Type Commander’s Afloat Training period, or TCAT -- the first in a series of preparatory workups that will certify the strike group fit for deployment. The ship is currently afloat with USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Nashville (LPD 13).

“The purpose of these training ops [operations] on Nassau is to familiarize Marines with operating on the ship,” said Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Bruce Womack. “The Navy’s been supportive of everything that we’ve done.”

The NavyTimes article notes the Nassau ESG is scheduled to depart in early 2008. If we follow patterns, it should be noted the USS Trenton (LPD 14) was at sea when India announced it was going to purchase the LPD, I'd expect to see the same type of thing with the USS Nashville (LPD 13).

Coincidence and speculation? Perhaps both, but one would have thought the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) would have deployed in this spot, she was commissioned in 2005 after all, the Navy doesn't usually wait for three years anymore before putting its ships to sea after commissioning. I'm asking for trouble with that last comment...