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Watching and waiting: USS Nimitz stands by in the Gulf

Although the US Navy stresses that the intense activity in the battle group does not indicate any imminent confrontation, scores of fighters are on constant patrol as the Nimitz sits and waits for the UN decision about possible strike against Iraq.

On Monday, the USS Nimitz is launching about two dozen F-14 and F-18 fighter aircraft, most heading north to Iraq to enforce the no-fly zone.

A battle group in the Gulf - which consists of eight ships, including two cruisers carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles - is responsible for defending U-2 spy planes on authorised reconnaissance missions over Iraq. Saddam Hussein has threatened to fire on such flights.

Confirmation that Saddam has moved missiles and is reinforcing protection of his airforce bases and other key points comes back to the Nimitz with the regular sorties.

Adie suggests that tensions on board are running high. None of the 5,500 crew can be unaware of the high activity - the ship resounds and shakes as fighters depart and land.

The crew do not speculate on politics, they work round the clock and watch satellite news for bits of information.

One crew member said: "Sometimes we feel that something is going to happen, but we're not sure. Feeling insecure about what's going on puts you in a situation where sometimes it is hard to perform your job."

Flying over southern Iraq is routine for these pilots. But the uncertainty about whether war will erupt has heightened awareness. With intense diplomatic activity still in progress, the crew of the USS Nimitz only can play a waiting game.

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