French Navy – France has been using the landing ship Foudre to move troops to the conflict in the Ivory Coast.

• Reuters: French troops land in Ivory Coast

Royal Navy – The HMS Ark Royal task force will sail for the Gulf on Saturday.

• The Times: Ark Royal task force to sail on Saturday

US Navy – The USS Theodore Roosevelt leaves for its predeployment workup.

• Virginian Pilot: Roosevelt leaves for training

Background – Airpower – Thomas Ricks gives us a look inside the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia.

• Washington Post: American Way of War in Saudi Desert

Background – Peace – James F. Dunnigan on how the world is becoming a more peaceful place.

• StrategyPage: Peace Breaks Out in 2002