Key Takeaways
- The US is deploying a nuclear submarine, USS Georgia, to the Middle East to demonstrate its commitment to protecting its Middle Eastern ally.
- The Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is being deployed to the Middle East to add to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
- The US is working towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza to reduce tensions in the region and promote peace and stability.
Washington: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Georgia nuclear submarine to be deployed to the Middle East and the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the region to be accelerated, the Pentagon said on Sunday following Austin’s conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group.
Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region,” the Pentagon said.
Austin emphasized the US readiness to protect its Middle Eastern ally during a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and measures to protect Israel were also discussed.
