2 Carriers Among 17 Ships on Way to Gulf

Tearful family members lined piers in a cold breeze and drizzle today as about 16,000 sailors and Marines began their journey to the gulf to beef up Operation Desert Shield forces.

The deployments of 17 ships from East Coast ports, including eight from the huge Norfolk Naval Base, involved a rare same-day departure for two aircraft carriers, the America and the Theodore Roosevelt.

Several dozen relatives and friends watched as the destroyer Caron pulled out.

Joseph Leyes, whose son, Louis, is an ensign aboard the Caron, said he felt a mixture of emotions: “Sad, excited, supportive, frightened. They’re going to go out there; they’re going to do a job; they’re going to come back.”

Donna Beckum, whose husband, Larry, also is a Caron crew member, said her main concern was “just how long they’re going to be gone.”

The Roosevelt and America will join three other carriers--the Kennedy, the Saratoga and the Ranger--already operating in the Middle East.

The deployment of such a large number of U.S. warships to one part of the world is unprecedented since the Vietnam War.

Capt. Charles S. Abbot, commanding officer of the Roosevelt, said his crew was prepared, though not eager, to leave home so soon after the holiday.

Still, Christmas was bittersweet for those shipping out and their families.

“I’m happy he was here for Christmas, but I’m upset he’s leaving and not knowing when he’s coming back,” said Carmen Kubala, whose husband, Dan, is an electrician aboard the America.

Navy officials said the carriers will take about two weeks to get to their destination.