USS Eisenhower Joins USS Ford off of Israel to Deter Iran and Hezbollah, Pentagon Orders
October 14, 2023, 5:24 PM ET
The Pentagon has made a significant move in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas by ordering a second aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean near Israel. The purpose of this deployment is to deter Iran and Hezbollah from joining the conflict, according to U.S. officials.
Sources indicate that the USS Eisenhower carrier strike group will be joining the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group, which recently arrived in international waters off of Israel. This decision reinforces the United States’ commitment to Israel’s defense and serves as a clear message to Iran and Hezbollah to refrain from escalating the conflict.
While a Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the development, senior U.S. officials have publicly stated that the presence of the USS Ford carrier strike group and the deployment of additional U.S. Air Force fighter jets in the region are meant to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel and dissuade potential adversaries from exploiting the situation.
“This increase in posture is intended to unequivocally demonstrate the U.S. support for Israel’s defense and act as a deterrent signal to Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and any other regional proxies,” said a senior U.S. defense official on Monday.
By having the USS Eisenhower join the USS Ford, the show of force is enhanced, further reinforcing the message of deterrence.
In addition to the carrier strike group, the Pentagon is reportedly considering deploying the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship closer to Israel in order to provide additional support if necessary. This consideration was first reported by CNN and highlights the U.S. commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
The USS Eisenhower strike group departed from Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday, originally scheduled for a deployment that would have taken it to the Middle East via the Mediterranean Sea, where it was intended to participate in prearranged exercises in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
Speculations about its potential deployment to the eastern Mediterranean alongside the USS Ford arose, but the Pentagon statement merely stated that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would review both the Eisenhower and Ford’s deployment plans to determine the appropriate balance of maritime capability in support of national security priorities.
The USS Eisenhower strike group includes the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and the guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58), USS Mason (DDG-87), and USS Gravely (DDG-107).
On Tuesday, the USS Ford strike group arrived in the waters of the eastern Mediterranean. In addition to the carrier, the group consists of the cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
The deployment of these carrier strike groups demonstrates the U.S.’s strong commitment to Israel’s security and its determination to prevent any further escalation in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the U.S. stands ready to protect its allies and ensure stability in the Middle East.