The Pentagon press office issued the following press release regarding security arrangements during the winter Olympic games in Sochi Russia – it is attributed to Rear Admiral John F. Kirby, United States Navy. Currently, Kirby is the Pentagon Press Secretary, serving as the chief spokesman for the Department of Defense:
“The United States has offered its full support to the Russian government as it conducts security preparations for the Winter Olympics.
To that end, U.S. commanders in the region are conducting prudent planning and preparations should that support be required.
Air and naval assets, to include two Navy ships in the Black Sea, will be available if requested for all manner of contingencies in support of — and in consultation with — the Russian government.
There is no such requirement at this time” (source: DOD http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16496).
The Pentagon did not disclose what Navy ships are being deployed, but speculation concerns a possible U.S. Air craft Carrier – but others insist that an aircraft carrier would be too big for the Black Sea’s shallow waters.
In addition, under the Montreux Convention the U.S. would essentially need Turkish approval to send any ship over 10,000 tons into the Black Sea.
We contacted the United States Naval Forces Europe (NAVFOREUR) is the United States Navy component commander of the United States European Command to inquire about this situation and was rebuffed by the press office which refused to comment on this matter.
We also tried unsuccessfully to contact the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Jonathan William “Jon” Greenert who is the highest ranking officer in the United States Navy and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff but was unavailable for comment, according to his military aid.
So the mystery continues in regard to which navy assets are to be deployed ahead of the winter games in Sochi, Russia. Should evacuation be necessary there would need to be a capacity to evacuate at least 15,000 American citizens who are expected to attend the games.