U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Leaves Red Sea—What Happens Next?

After two months of intense operations, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman has left the Red Sea following a halt in Houthi attacks on ships.

The carrier, along with destroyer USS Jason Dunham, arrived at Crete’s U.S. Naval Support Base for maintenance after defending against drone and missile strikes.

Since December 14, Truman's strike group has engaged in multiple defense operations, countering Houthi attacks in Yemen and conducting airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia.

Houthi forces claimed to have targeted the carrier 8 times, forcing its withdrawal. The U.S. has not confirmed this but acknowledged intercepting several enemy drones and missiles.

Despite the temporary halt in attacks, tensions remain high. Italian frigate Federico Martinengo has joined the EUNAVFOR Aspides Operation to escort commercial vessels.

Major shipping carriers are still hesitant to resume operations in the Red Sea, as Houthis have warned they may continue targeting Israeli-linked vessels.

While the U.S. Navy has left for now, the situation remains fragile. Will the ceasefire hold, or is this just a temporary pause in the conflict?