5th Fleet Prepares for War

The US strike in Yemen back in December was reported to be air-launched cruise missiles, likely from a bomber in Diego Garcia. Well, it appears the Navy is being repositioned to support military operations in Yemen.

The US will not put troops on the ground, which again, highlights the utility of naval power to support partners. The interesting part of Yemen operations is that it marks the first time since 1990 that the US is supporting a Middle Eastern nation in military operations by invitation. The last time was Saudi Arabia prior to the first Gulf War.

This distinction is part of the subtle but critical distinctions in the Obama administration policy towards using military power and the Bush administration policies.