WASHINGTON — In a significant escalation of military readiness, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has dispatched a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to expedite its transit to the region, as confirmed by the Defense Department.
These actions coincide with urgent calls from the U.S. and allied nations for Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire in the wake of heightened tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a key Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
U.S. officials are closely monitoring potential retaliatory attacks from both Iran and Hezbollah following these high-profile killings, thereby increasing military presence in the region.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that Austin conveyed strong U.S. support to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing America’s commitment to defending Israel. Ryder highlighted the bolstering of U.S. military forces and capabilities in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.
The USS Lincoln, previously stationed in the Asia Pacific, is set to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is preparing to return home from the Middle East. Austin has indicated that the Lincoln is expected to arrive in the Central Command area by the end of the month.
Details regarding the timeline for the Lincoln’s acceleration toward the Middle East remain uncertain, although it carries advanced F-35 fighter jets and F/A-18s.
Ryder did not provide specifics on the USS Georgia’s estimated arrival time in the region.
During their conversation, Austin and Gallant also addressed Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the critical need to minimize civilian casualties.
This dialogue follows a tragic Israeli airstrike on Saturday, which struck a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 individuals and injuring nearly 50 others, as reported by Palestinian health authorities. This event marks one of the deadliest incidents in the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas.
