The United States decision to deployed a navy ship to the port of Mombasa has been met with both great speculation and awe. However, reports indicate that the Navy warship did not come alone. – By Gerald Gekara.
The other members of the battle group are the nuclear attack submarine USS Jacksonville, guided missile cruiser USS Worden, combat support ship USS Camden, guided missile frigate USS Crommelin and destroyer USS Fletcher, U.S. consular officials said.
This is the first time a U.S. Navy battle group led by a carrier has docked at Mombasa since the USS America and accompanying vessels called in April 1983.
The U.S. military has access to this East African nation’s ports and airfields under an agreement announced by the State Department in June 1980.
Smaller groups of ships or individual U.S. vessels frequently use Mombasa to give their crews shore leave and to stock provisions.
The nearly 7,000 crew on the navy vessels are expected to pump more than $2 million into the economy of this tourist center.
U.S. officials estimate each sailor spends around $300 during port calls here.
The vessels also take on fresh fruit and vegetables, water and fuel in Mombasa and pay for laundry service and garbage pickup.
The local business community, hotel proprietors, bar owners and prostitutes generally do a booming business during the fleet visits to Mombasa, also a popular liberty port for sailors of the British, French and other navies.
