The group was rerouted by the Pentagon from its Eastern Mediterranean destination.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the U.S. is deploying the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower and its accompanying warship strike group to the Persian Gulf. When it left Norfolk over a week ago, its destination was the Eastern Mediterranean where it would join the USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group, but it has been given new orders.
Secretary Austin stated the decision followed “detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East.”
A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile battery, known as THAAD, and Patriot missile defense system battalions have also been ordered to the Persian Gulf.
Since the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7, U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria have experienced increased attacks by Iran-backed militia groups, which have injured some American forces.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and defense secretary to seek God’s guidance as they determine where to deploy U.S. troops and resources.
- For the safety of all U.S. personnel serving in the Middle Eastern region.
Sources: News Nation, CBS News, Department of Defense
