U.S. Deploys Aircraft Carrier with F-35 Fighters to the Middle East
The U.S. Department of Defense has decided to deploy the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to the Middle East, where it will join the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.
A U.S. defense official told AP last weekend that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order extending the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman strike group in the Middle East for an additional month.
Hegseth also deployed the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and its escort ships from the Pacific to the Middle East. This decision will extend the USS Carl Vinson's deployment by about three months.
The Carl Vinson strike group is expected to take 2-3 weeks to reach the Middle East and will operate alongside the Truman strike group for a period of time. This deployment follows an increase in U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The Carl Vinson is equipped with a squadron of F-35C stealth fighters, which are not part of the Harry S. Truman’s capabilities. The Pentagon’s decision to send another aircraft carrier to the region not only strengthens the U.S. Navy’s capabilities but also appears to serve as a deterrent message aimed at Iran, the primary backer of the Houthi forces.
This is the second time in the past year that the U.S. has deployed two carrier strike groups to the Middle East. In August 2024, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to the region to work alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt in a similar show of force against Iran.
On March 15, U.S. forces launched a large-scale airstrike campaign targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, killing over 50 people and injuring nearly 100. The U.S. continued the airstrikes, claiming the deaths of several key Houthi commanders.
In retaliation, the Houthis launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at the Truman carrier strike group. The group has vowed to target American merchant and military vessels "until they stop attacking Yemen." Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on ships believed to be linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, showing support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Houthis’ attacks have seriously disrupted international shipping lanes that carry 12% of global trade, causing many shipping companies to reroute cargo ships around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, increasing both the distance and cost of shipments.
The Houthis ceased attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on January 19, when a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza. However, on March 11, the group announced it would resume attacks on Israeli ships in retaliation for Israel’s blocking of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
(Sources: AP, USNI, AFP)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
