Summary Two aircraft carrier strike groups are staying in the Middle East to deter aggression and support Israel against threats from Iran. The capability of AEGIS ships and airpower is unmatched and has proven effective in combating Houthi rebels. The carrier air wings include F-35Cs, F/A-18s, and other aircraft capable of warfighting, assistance, and deterrence in the Middle East.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently decided to have two aircraft carrier strike groups stay in the Middle East. For the United States, that means placing no less than eight squadrons of strike-fighters including one of F-35Cs, two squadrons of seven airborne electronic attack jets in the Boeing EA-18G Growler , four squadrons of H-60 maritime helicopters plus AEGIS radar and air defense warships in the Middle East. “Intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East” As Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder shared at an August 27 press conference, US Secretary of Defense Austin reassured his Israeli counterpart of, “The United States's ironclad resolve to support Israel's defense against threats from Iran and its regional partners and proxies.
As many of you are tracking, in support of this, the Secretary ordered our two carrier strike groups, the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, to remain in the region. As we have been from the start, we remain intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East w.