US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on Saturday that the US had dispatched a second aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean to thwart any “hostile actions” against Israel or attempts to escalate this conflict in response to Hamas’s attack on Israel. The guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), Carrier Air Wing 3, which has nine aircraft squadrons, and embarked headquarters staff are all part of the Strike Group. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived earlier this week, and the Eisenhower CSG will be joining them. Additionally, the statement stated that the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt are part of the Ford CSG.
Earlier in the week, the US Air Force announced the deployment of squadrons of F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft to the region.
“The increases to US force posture signal the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war,” Austin stated.
According to the US Navy, the strike group is scheduled to deploy to the US European Command area of responsibility where it will engage with allies and partners in support of maritime statecraft, which encompasses naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive US and allied maritime power.
“Each entity that comprises IKECSG has worked exceptionally hard over the last several months, and we are ready to bring maritime power in support of any tasking,” said Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, IKECSG, adding, “Our presence will undoubtedly strengthen relationships with our allies and partners, as we share the goal to deter aggression, and if required, deliver overwhelming combat power.”