News - US sent a fleet of warplanes to the Middle East

The U.S. Department of Defense said it continues to take steps to reduce the likelihood of regional escalation. To maintain an aircraft carrier strike group presence in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Austin ordered the aircraft carrier strike group USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN to replace the aircraft carrier strike group USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, which is currently deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility. In addition, Austin ordered the deployment of additional missile defense cruisers and destroyers to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command regions. The agency is also taking steps to increase readiness to deploy additional ground-based missile defenses. The Secretary also ordered the deployment of an additional fighter squadron to the Middle East, strengthening U.S. air defense support capabilities. These posture adjustments complement the wide range of capabilities the U.S. military has in the region. The Department of Defense maintains the ability to deploy at short notice to respond to evolving national security threats. It is noted, however, that the U.S. also remains focused on de-escalating tensions in the region.