Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is increasing the US Navy’s warship presence in the Middle East, ordering two aircraft carriers to be stationed there next month. This move follows a rare deployment of two carrier strike groups in the region, which has not happened since years ago.
Hegseth signed orders on Thursday to keep the USS Harry S. Truman in the Middle East for an additional month, while also deploying the USS Carl Vinson from the Pacific to join the existing carrier group. The Vinson’s deployment will extend its original schedule by three months.
The increased naval presence aims to deter Iran and provide a stronger response to Houthi rebel attacks on commercial and military ships in the region. In recent months, more than 100 merchant vessels have been targeted with missiles and drones, resulting in two ship sinkings and four sailor deaths.
Hegseth’s move shifts focus away from the Indo-Pacific region, which was previously emphasized by the Trump administration. Instead, it bolsters the US campaign against Iran-backed Houthis, who have been waging persistent attacks on regional shipping lanes.
The increased military presence also reflects changes to the authority for launching offensive strikes in the region. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, White House approval was required for such actions. However, Hegseth has authorized more flexibility, mirroring a change made by former President Donald Trump.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-warships-middle-east-carrier-increase-0801c2c12cac065eefa06bd73667fd69