In response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the United States Navy’s USS Truman (CVN-75) has commenced its deployment. According to a report by the USNI (United States Naval Institute) on September 23, the USS Truman left the Norfolk Naval Base on the same day, marking the beginning of its routine deployment.
The deployment of the USS Truman comes amidst the escalating situation between Lebanon and Israel. The USS Truman Strike Group includes the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Stott (DDG-55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109). This marks the first time the USS Truman has been deployed since its return to the United States in September 2022 after an extended deployment.
Admiral Darryl R. Cedars, Commander of the US Fleet Forces Command, emphasized the necessity of maintaining a continuous military presence in the face of escalating international tensions. Following the deployment of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group nine months ago, we are deploying another carrier. This underscores the need for sustained military presence in the face of rising international tensions, Admiral Cedars said in a statement.
The USS Truman’s latest deployment follows a year of extensive training at sea after undergoing routine maintenance at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 2022. The carrier’s crew has been preparing for this deployment for months, and the vessel is equipped with the latest technology and weaponry to address the current situation in the Middle East.
Currently, the US Navy has one aircraft carrier and one amphibious assault ship deployed in the Middle East region. The USS Lincoln (CVN-72) is part of the 3rd Carrier Strike Group (CSG-3), which is still in the Central Command area of responsibility but has not yet entered the Red Sea. The USS Roosevelt (CVN-71) has returned to the United States after passing through the Strait of Malacca. Additionally, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are located in the Eastern Mediterranean, ready to assist in personnel evacuation if necessary.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, the USS伯克利 (DDG-84), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), and USS Cole (DDG-67) are also present. The situation in Lebanon and Israel has become increasingly intense, with Israel conducting several attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and Hezbollah responding with rocket fire targeting Israeli ports and military bases.
According to reports from the US National Public Radio, Lebanese health authorities have reported that Israel’s attacks on Monday caused 500 deaths. Despite the escalating violence, the Pentagon believes the situation has not reached its worst point yet.
Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday that while the US embassy in Beirut has requested Americans to leave Lebanon, the Department of Defense has not been ordered to conduct an evacuation.
The deployment of the USS Truman underscores the US commitment to maintaining stability in the Middle East and ensuring the safety of American citizens in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the presence of the USS Truman and other US naval assets in the region will be crucial in monitoring and responding to any further escalations.
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