U.S. Navy Deploys 2nd Aircraft Carrier In The Middle East Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

The U.S. Navy deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, to the Middle East on August 21, 2024.

The carrier’s deployment ordered by Defense Secretary Llyod Austin comes amid regional tensions after recent attacks linked to Israel.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided missile destroyers and equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighter jets, will join the USS Theodore Roosevelt, stationed in the region since mid-July.

The Lincoln is set to replace the Roosevelt, temporarily increasing the number of US aircraft carriers in the area.

Lincoln’s deployment was expedited after Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran threatened revenge against Israel over the recent assassinations of senior militant leaders. Israel has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut but has not confirmed involvement in the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Secretary Austin has directed the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the region. The rare public disclosure of US submarine movements highlights the severity of the situation.

According to US Navy officials, the USS Georgia is expected to arrive in the coming days, joining the eight destroyers that were already in the region as of August 21, 2024.

The Pentagon has stated that these deployments deter escalation and guarantee that U.S. soldiers are prepared to respond to potential threats. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, highlighted that the movements are a preventive measure to guarantee readiness in case of further escalation.

The situation remains tense as Iran vowed revenge following the assassinations. US officials have stated that ceasefire negotiations in Gaza have stopped Iran’s immediate intentions for revenge, but the possibility of conflict remains high.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is based in the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility. Nimitz-class carriers, like the Lincoln, are the world’s largest warships and play an essential role in U.S. military operations.

Reference: FirstPost, CBS News

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