Obama 'mobilizing greatest military in world' in fight against Gulf oil spill

President Barack Obama on Tuesday said he is “mobilizing the greatest military in the world” to combat the Gulf oil spill.

In an address to service members in Florida, Obama again pledged to do “whatever it takes for as long as it takes” to deal with the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

“This is an assault on our shores, and we're going to fight back with everything that we've got,” Obama said in remarks in Pensacola, Fla., that conclude his visit to three states on the Gulf Coast.

Obama did not offer any new details on military involvement in cleaning up the spill. The president has already authorized the deployment of more than 17,000 National Guard troops to assist in response and recovery efforts, even as the leak continues to pour thousands of gallons into the water every day.

Obama is preparing for his first address to the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday night. He is expected to emphasize his administration’s efforts to ensure BP pays damages to individuals and businesses hurt by the spill.

“I am with you,” Obama said on Tuesday. “My administration is with you for the long haul, to make sure BP pays for the damage it has done and to make sure that you are getting the help you need.”

On Wednesday, the president will meet with BP executives at the White House. The administration is pressing BP to create an escrow fund as large as $20 billion to deal with incoming claims.

Obama veered from the topic of the oil spill during his remarks to offer a more traditional pep talk to the troops, promising them the support they need to win their missions against violent extremists.

Obama won big applause from the crowd as he pledged that “we are poised to end our combat mission in Iraq this summer, on schedule.”

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