WASHINGTON (Agencies): The USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Russell have departed the Middle East and are en route back to the United States, leaving the USS Abraham Lincoln as the sole aircraft carrier in the region.
This move marks the end of a rare period where the U.S. Navy had two aircraft carriers stationed in the Middle East simultaneously.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, after an extended deployment, is heading back to its home port in San Diego.
The USS Russell, part of the same strike group, had already left the Middle East and is currently operating in the South China Sea.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived in the Gulf of Oman about three weeks ago, will continue to operate in the region alongside several other warships.
This strategic redeployment comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly related to the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The presence of U.S. aircraft carriers has been a significant deterrent in the region, especially in light of the Israel-Hamas war that has persisted for nearly a year.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously extended the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt to ensure a robust U.S. military presence in the region.
The decision to bring the Roosevelt home aligns with the Pentagon’s broader strategy to manage its naval assets effectively while maintaining a strong deterrent posture.
The redeployment of these carriers will be closely monitored as the U.S. continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.