US warships headed to Libya enter Suez Canal

AFP , Wednesday 2 Mar 2011

Two US warships carrying marines and equipment entered the Suez Canal on Wednesday en route to Libya, as the United States and Europe piled pressure on Libyan leader Mumer Gaddafi

A man looks on as U.S. amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge sails through the Suez canal in Ismaili
A man looks on as U.S. amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge sails through the Suez canal in Ismailia (Photo: Reuters)

"The USS Kearsarge and the USS Ponce entered the Suez Canal from the southern entrance at 6:00 am (0400 GMT) and are making their way to the Mediterranean sea," a canal authority official said.

On average it takes 12 to 14 hours for a ship to transit the canal.

The Kearsarge amphibious ready group, with about 800 marines, a fleet of helicopters and medical facilities, could support humanitarian efforts as well as military operations.

"We're certainly moving assets to be closer (to Libya)," a US defence official told AFP in Washington on Tuesday. "A ship like the Kearsage is capable of many types of missions."

Western powers are arguing over imposing a proposed no-fly zone over Libya to support rebels fighting Gaddafi's regime. Some opposition figures in Libya have begun calling for air strikes.

An American aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise -- which has fighter jets that could enforce a possible no-fly zone -- could also be called upon for the Libya crisis.
The carrier is currently in the north of the Red Sea, according to the US Navy's website.

Short link: