Speaking at a Sept. 29 press conference in Darwin, Australia, U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen announced the United States is increasing its participation in the International Forces for East Timor (INTERFET) by deploying the USS Belleau Wood (LHA). Cohen failed to mention that 900 Marines would be on board, placing a large number of armed U.S. troops just off the coast of East Timor as Indonesian troops withdraw.
Secretary Cohen emphasized that the deployment answered an Australian request for heavy lift equipment. The Belleau Wood will bring four heavy-lift CH-53 helicopters. In addition, the vessel, a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, can carry nearly two dozen CH-53D Sea Stallion or CH-46D/E Sea Knight helicopters, plus AV-8B Harriers. Cohen added that U.S. commitment would also increase to include a communications team comprising130 army personnel and additional operations planners.
Cohen side-stepped questions about committing ground troops. When asked about additional equipment and personnel, he stated," At this point we will have basically the support elements of the helicopters only. There could be other types of equipment that could move onto the Belleau Wood and can be used but I have not identified that yet."
Under normal conditions, the Belleau Wood carries artillery, light armored vehicles, and landing craft in addition to troops. While the United States has officially only committed around 450 personnel to INTERFET, these additional Marines will be positioned just off East Timor during the potentially volatile Indonesian troop pull-out.
The United States has stated it would not send ground troops to East Timor. However, the Belleau Wood deployment allows substantial ground capabilities to step in quickly should the need arise. Australia has already pointed out that the withdrawal of Indonesian troops creates a serious security vacuum in East Timor. Several reports have suggested that pro-integration militias are preparing to launch a guerrilla war.
The proximity of the Belleau Wood does not guarantee deployment into East Timor. It does indicate that despite its denials, the United States is in position to furnish ground troops if the need arises.
Secretary Cohen emphasized that the deployment answered an Australian request for heavy lift equipment. The Belleau Wood will bring four heavy-lift CH-53 helicopters. In addition, the vessel, a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, can carry nearly two dozen CH-53D Sea Stallion or CH-46D/E Sea Knight helicopters, plus AV-8B Harriers. Cohen added that U.S. commitment would also increase to include a communications team comprising130 army personnel and additional operations planners.
Cohen side-stepped questions about committing ground troops. When asked about additional equipment and personnel, he stated," At this point we will have basically the support elements of the helicopters only. There could be other types of equipment that could move onto the Belleau Wood and can be used but I have not identified that yet."
Under normal conditions, the Belleau Wood carries artillery, light armored vehicles, and landing craft in addition to troops. While the United States has officially only committed around 450 personnel to INTERFET, these additional Marines will be positioned just off East Timor during the potentially volatile Indonesian troop pull-out.
The United States has stated it would not send ground troops to East Timor. However, the Belleau Wood deployment allows substantial ground capabilities to step in quickly should the need arise. Australia has already pointed out that the withdrawal of Indonesian troops creates a serious security vacuum in East Timor. Several reports have suggested that pro-integration militias are preparing to launch a guerrilla war.
The proximity of the Belleau Wood does not guarantee deployment into East Timor. It does indicate that despite its denials, the United States is in position to furnish ground troops if the need arises.
