Stratfor's U.S. Naval Update Map: May 23, 2013

The latest Stratfor US Naval update (23 May) is insightful. One carrier in the Arabian Gulf and a large amphibious big deck warfare ship in the Gulf of Aden – a low number for the region. Critically, none in the Mediterranean, meaning no Syrian intervention in the near-term. With Russian ambitions growing in this area (http://www.debka.com/article/22965/Russia-staffs-Mediterranean-fleet-Turkey-weighs-payback-for-Syrian-bombings), Obama is clearly not looking to confront the Russian naval moves any time soon. Many carrier groups are also at home port, likely refitting. In the Pacific, just one carrier, the Nimitz, steaming around the South China Sea. Get more here http://www.stratfor.com/image/us-naval-update-map-may-23-2013