Re: Obama - SA Visit June 2013...
About the carrier - I read a statement given by some 'adviser' that it's standard operating procedure to have the carrier in the vicinity. That sounded very much like a confirmation to me. Having said that though, I haven't found any other sources confirming this. Then again, it is a military vessel - and confirming it's presence is kinda like not paying your TV license. Not really the right thing to do.
Re: Obama - SA Visit June 2013...
The Secret Service guy I spoke to did mention counter snipers and "other assets". He made a good point that they weren't only there to protect the POTUS, but also anyone dealing with him. He did mention some of the counter snipers and "other assets" were protecting the ATC center.
It was pretty cool.
I did not find out what the "other assets" were.
KBK