The US Navy has indeed bolstered its presence in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean due to escalating tensions and potential threats. Here’s an overview of the warships already deployed and those on their way:
- Eastern Mediterranean:
- The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group arrived in June, operating under US European Command. It includes:
- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp with its embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
- The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill.
- The amphibious transport dock USS New York.
- Additionally, two destroyers, USS Bulkeley and USS Roosevelt, have been in the area for several weeks. A third destroyer, USS Laboon, is currently in port at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete.
- The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group arrived in June, operating under US European Command. It includes:
- Red Sea:
- The Eisenhower Strike Group is present, consisting of four warships: Bataan, Carter Hall, Hudner, and Carney.
- Additional Deployment:
- The US Navy is sending more ships, bringing the total to 14, to prevent other nations from entering the Israeli-Hamas conflict and assist in evacuations of Americans if needed.
While they are keeping Iran “engaged in negotiations”, force projection to support Israel is being amassed in the Persian gulf and the Lavant.
Nearly 1/3 of the entire U.S. Naval Fleet is being positioned there.
CSG USS Lincoln passed through the Straits of Malacca 3 days ago. pic.twitter.com/tGKPM2ciqV
— JeSuisBonheur (@BonheurSuis) August 18, 2024
🚨🇮🇱🇺🇸 Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln leaves South China Sea, heading to the Middle East as the Israeli preemptive strike on Iran approaches. pic.twitter.com/WxVCwwi5KC
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) August 17, 2024
Sources:
news.yahoo.com/news/us-naval-presence-around-middle-201031739.html
www.cbsnews.com/news/us-military-assets-in-middle-east/
h/t DOORBERT