Ships in Indian Ocean increase since oil crisis

Press, 18 April 1979, Page 8

Ships in Indian Ocean increase since oil crisis

NZPA Washington United States and Soviet naval forces in the Indian Ocean have increased to their greatest strength at least since the 1973-74 oil crisis, Pentagon officials have said, This increase was probably onlv temporary as the United States switched ships; on station and the Russians] moved an aircraft carrier task group to cruise in the! Pacific for the first time, the officials said. However, the continuing presence of significant naval forces of both super-Powers underscores their rivalry along what one top United States Navy official once called “the energy lifeline of the Western world.” The United States Navy said the aircraft carrier Midway and the frigate Downes entered the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Malacca on Saturday, bringing the number of American naval vessels in those; waters to 14. More important. the] United States will have two] aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean simultaneously! for the first time in meni-j ory.

i The Midway is going to . replace the carrier Constellation, which was sent to cruise off the Arabian Peninsula last month to demonstrate American concern for stability in that oil-produc-ing region. When all the ship switches are complete, ini eluding escorts guarding the (carriers, the United States •Inaval presence will probably ; be back to about nine ships. The Constellation will return to the Western Pacific for ; the time being at least. In the meantime, the new ; Russian carrier Minsk, two ■ guided missile cruisers, a big amphibious ship, and an oiler are reported to be ' making a port visit in Marxist Mozambique after enter- ■ ing the Indian Ocean last . week. ; The Minsk task group i raises Soviet naval strength . in the Indian Ocean to about ■ 25 ships. ! In Tokyo, the “Yomiuri” (.newspaper has quoted the I former American Secretary J of State, Henry Kissinger, as . j calling for the creation of a .’new United States Navy ■; fleet in the Indian Ocean To i counter growing Soviet miliI tary power.