The United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower and its accompanying strike group are en route to the Mediterranean, as confirmed by White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby. Speaking at a press briefing, Kirby clarified that no operational decision has been made regarding the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean. However, he noted that the USS Dwight D Eisenhower and its strike group were making their way in that direction.
Kirby explained, “I would also note that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and her strike group will be departing on a prescheduled, long-scheduled deployment to the European Command area of responsibility. They’ll start that deployment in the coming week or so. They will be going initially across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean, where they will be available if needed.”
He emphasized that no definitive operational decisions have been taken yet, despite some press reports suggesting otherwise. Kirby added, “No decisions have been made. I’ve seen some press reporting out there that we’ve already made some kind of final decision that a second carrier is going to be placed in the Eastern Mediterranean. No operational decisions like that have been made, but she will be heading in that direction, her ships will be with her, and she certainly will be an available asset if needed.”
This marks the second US aircraft carrier bound for the Mediterranean, as the USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group recently arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean. Kirby highlighted their presence for deterrence purposes, sending a clear message to anyone with hostile intentions toward Israel.
Kirby responded to reports about the USS George Washington and the HMS Prince of Wales being prepared for deployment, stating, “I don’t know of any plans for them to be readied. Again, I’d refer you to the Defense Department to speak to other units. The Eisenhower is preparing for a long-scheduled deployment to the region, and I don’t have any operational decisions to speak to. I just thought it was important to put that into some context because I saw some reporting yesterday that seemed to suggest it was a definite decision that she was going to join Ford. That could happen, I don’t know, but she will be deploying into the Mediterranean and will be an available asset, as well as her escort vessels.”
A press release from US Central Command also highlighted the forces in the region, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, the USS Normandy cruiser, and several Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, stated, “The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation.”
The development follows US President Joe Biden’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing ongoing support for Israel’s defense against Hamas. In their discussion, the leaders agreed to maintain regular communication in the face of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The Israeli Defense Forces have initiated a comprehensive attack on multiple Hamas centers in the Gaza Strip as part of their counter-offensive against the organization. The Israeli Air Force shared this information via an announcement on social media.
Also Read: ”Every Hamas is a Dead Man”, Says PM Netanyahu; Declares ‘National Emergency’
Catch all the Latest Business News, Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on NewsX
