Second US Carrier Strike Group deploys to Middle East
Amidst rising tensions in the region
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin has ordered the deployment of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), equipped with advanced Lockheed Martin F-35C fighter jets, to the volatile Middle East region. This follows unprecedented rising tensions in the region, principally between Israel and Iran.
According to a statement issued by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin’s directive ordering the USS Abraham Lincoln CSG into the Middle East region complements the existing presence of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier CSG equipped with F-22 Raptors.
Austin has also directed the USS Georgia guided-missile submarine to the Middle East, further enhancing US military capabilities in the region to levels not since World War II.
The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered Ohio-class submarine armed with cruise missiles, has been operating in the Mediterranean Sea recently, having just completed training near Italy.
Deteriorating situation
Austin and Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant met in Washington, DC, on August 11, 2024, over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and when Austin reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
The discussions between Austin and Gallant also covered Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza, emphasising the need to minimise civilian casualties, advance efforts toward securing a ceasefire, and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023.
The two leaders also addressed strategies to counteract aggression from Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iran-aligned militant groups throughout the Middle East region.
In a joint statement issued by the British government on August 12, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom urged “Iran and its allies” to halt ongoing attacks on Israel.
President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom warned that continued violence could escalate regional tensions and undermine efforts to achieve a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas.
The statement emphasised the immediate need for an end to hostilities and called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, it highlighted the urgent need for “unrestricted delivery and distribution of aid” to the people of Gaza.
What is a US CSG?
A US CSG is a major naval formation centred around an aircraft carrier and its associated escort surface warships and submarines. Typically, a CSG includes an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, several guided-missile destroyers, and a supply ship, all working together to project US military power, act as a deterrent in potential conflict regions of the world and ensure maritime security.
Each CSG is equipped to perform various missions, including air defence, strike operations, and anti-submarine warfare. The CSG operates as a flexible and potent force, capable of deploying quickly and effectively to address various global threats and support US national and its allies’ interests.
F-35 capabilities
The F-35Cs aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier are stealthy, aircraft carrier-capable multirole fighter jets designed for the US Navy. They feature advanced avionics, superior range, and enhanced landing gear for aircraft carrier operations. The F-35Cs provide air superiority, strike capabilities, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions.
Featured image: Undated file photo of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transiting the Pacific Ocean. Credit: US Navy
