SEPTEMBER 25--As a result of the Jordanian crisis, caused by Palestinian commando attempts to unseat the monarchy in Amman, John F. Kennedy joined Saratoga and Independence in the Mediterranean, followed by seven other U.S. Navy ships, including Guam on 27 September. This strengthened the Sixth Fleet to some 55 ships which served as a standby force in case U.S. military protection was needed for the evacuation of Americans and as a counterbalance to the Soviet Union's Mediterranean fleet.