The Pentagon has announced the deployment of a second carrier strike group and has sent Air Force fighter jets to the eastern Mediterranean Sea as part of its maritime strategy. According to a statement made by the US Defense Secretary on a Saturday, this development coincides with Israel’s plans to increase the scope of its operations in Gaza.
It’s important to understand that these US warships are not actively involved in either Israel’s military operations or the ongoing fighting in Gaza. Instead, they are there to send a clear message of deterrence that is primarily directed at Iran and its regional allies, such Hezbollah in Lebanon. The fact that two of the Navy’s most powerful ships were chosen underscores the seriousness of this deterrent message.
The purpose of these strategic initiatives was clarified by Secretary Austin, who said that they are a crucial component of a larger campaign to deter hostile activities against Israel. The main objective is to stop any further escalation of the confrontation after Hamas’ initial assault on Israel. The action essentially acts as a preventative measure to thwart any future crisis escalation and sends a strong message about the United States’ commitment to regional security and its support for Israel.
Last Monday, the USS Gerald R. Ford led the first carrier strike group as it approached Israel’s shore.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group is now its route to the eastern Mediterranean after departing Norfolk, Virginia, on Friday. Initially, the aircraft carrier was scheduled to head for the US European Command’s maritime domain.
One US defense official told CNN that it is currently unknown how long the Ford will remain in the area when the Eisenhower carrier strike group arrives.
According to Austin’s announcement, a guided-missile cruiser and two guided-missile destroyers would join the Eisenhower, the carrier strike group’s flagship.
The F/A-18 fighter jets are among the more than 60 aircraft that the Eisenhower can transport. The Ford is capable of deploying over 75 aircraft.
The orders for the carrier strike group were first reported by ABC News.
US troops aren’t there to support Israel
The ship and its supporting group are not present to conduct combat operations on behalf of Israel, the Biden administration has made plain.
John Kirby, the National Security Council’s strategic communications coordinator, stressed on Thursday that there were no plans or intentions to send American soldiers into Israel. Kirby emphasized that the intention of the heightened military presence in the area is to prevent others from becoming involved in the war if they think Israel is showing signs of weakness.
He added that the goal of the strengthened military posture was to “act as a deterrent for any other actor, including Hezbollah, that might think that widening this conflict is a good idea.” “We take our national security interests in the region very seriously,” he said.
Additionally, according to various US sources who spoke to CNN, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a quick reaction force with the ability to undertake special operations, is preparing in case it is directed to move closer to Israel to support the US’ military posture there.
More than 2,000 Marines and sailors make up the outfit, which is affixed to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and is equipped to support a significant evacuation. Operationally crucial activities for a Marine Expeditionary Unit include evacuations and humanitarian aid.
The officials claimed that the unit has not yet received any orders of this nature.
Added US warplanes are sent to the area
In the meantime, the US Air Forces Central confirmed on Saturday the sending of A-10 ground-attack aircraft and F-15E fighter aircraft to the area.
The deployment of the fighter jets from the 494th and 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadrons, respectively, “bolsters the U.S. posture and enhances air operations throughout the Middle East,” according to an Air Force statement. The number of warplanes participating was not specified.
The A-10s will join another squadron of the aircraft already stationed in the area, according to a US Central Command social media post. According to a statement by US Defense Secretary Austin, F-16 planes have also been stationed in the area.
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the 9th Air Force, said in a statement that by using sophisticated fighters and integrating with joint and coalition forces, “we are strengthening our partnerships and reinforcing security in the region.”
Defense officials have emphasized again and time again in recent days that the Pentagon will be able to quickly send additional forces and resources to the area as needed as Israel continues its conflict with Hamas.