US moves extra military assets to Middle East amidst regional tension
Including warships, fighter aircraft, missile systems
The US is taking decisive measures to address potential escalations involving Iran and its affiliates in the volatile Middle East region.
In a statement issued on August 2, 2024, US Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh noted that in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has reaffirmed the US commitment to protecting its personnel and interests in the Middle East, including a steadfast promise to defend Israel.
Singh stated that Austin has directed several critical adjustments to US military deployments in the Middle East to bolster force protection, enhance support for Israel, and ensure readiness for various scenarios.
In a significant strategic shift, Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in the Central Command area. Singh added that this change underscores the US Department of Defence’s adaptability and foresight in maintaining a robust carrier strike group presence in the Middle East.
Missile defence systems
Additionally, Austin has deployed more ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers to both the US European Command and US Central Command regions. Steps are also being taken to boost readiness for deploying additional US land-based ballistic missile defence systems.
According to Singh, Austin has ordered the deployment of an additional fighter squadron to the Middle East to strengthen air defence further. This move is intended to reinforce the US defensive air support capability in the region.
These adjustments complement the extensive range of capabilities the US military maintains, including the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Since October 2023 and again in April 2024, the US has demonstrated its exceptional ability to deploy forces in response to emerging national security threats rapidly. The United States remains focused on de-escalating regional tensions and is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of hostages and end the conflict in Gaza, Singh stated.
Featured image: The USS Abraham Lincoln sails in formation with other vessels in the Pacific Ocean on July 28, 2022, in support of Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Credit: Canadian Armed Forces Cpl. Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
