Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered an aircraft carrier -- the USS George H.W. Bush -- to move from the northern Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf as President Barack Obama considers possible military options for Iraq.
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Hagel's press secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, says the order will give the president added flexibility if military action is required to protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq.
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Accompany the carrier will be the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun. The ships are expected to complete their move into the Gulf later Saturday.
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The ships carry Tomahawk missiles, which could reach Iraq. The Bush is carrying fighter jets that could also easily get to Iraq, where a fast-moving Islamic insurgency is gaining territory. (AP)
