US Deploys 2nd Aircraft Carrier To The Middle East Amid Escalating Houthi Attacks

The US Navy has deployed its second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Carl Vinson, in the Middle East.

The USS Carl Vinson currently operating in the Pacific, has been ordered to join the USS Harry S. Truman, which is already stationed in the Red Sea.

This is the second time in six months that the US has deployed two aircraft carriers to the region, a level of naval force that has not been seen in years.

Per reports, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed orders to extend Truman’s deployment by at least another month.

The carrier was originally scheduled to return to Norfolk, Virginia, by the end of March but will now remain on duty in the Middle East.

The Houthis have continued their attacks on commercial and military ships, launching drones and missiles at vessels passing through the Red Sea.

Since November 2023, they have targeted over 100 merchant ships, sunk two vessels and killed at least four sailors. The group has also attempted missile and drone strikes on US Navy forces in the region, but no direct hits have been reported.

In recent days, they launched two ballistic missiles toward Israel, though no casualties or damage occurred.

The US military has intensified its airstrikes against Houthi targets in northwestern Yemen in response to these ongoing threats.

These strikes aim to weaken the military capabilities of the rebels and disrupt their attacks. US Central Command has been releasing daily visuals of these operations on its social media account.

Restoring freedom of navigation#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/lq6oU0rE6o

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 23, 2025

The US will have two carrier strike groups in the Middle East with the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson, giving flexibility to conduct airstrikes, patrols, and other operations.

This increase in naval power is a direct message to Iran, the primary backer of the Houthis.

The Vinson had been conducting joint exercises with Japanese and South Korean forces in the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan before receiving orders to move to the Middle East.

Its deployment has been extended by three months, delaying its scheduled return to San Diego. The US Navy has also increased its patrols along the southern border to combat smuggling and illegal migration.

Following the deployment of the USS Gravely, a second Arleigh Burke-class destroyer the USS Spruance, has now been sent to assist in the mission. The Spruance has recently completed operations in the Red Sea and will be operating near its home port in San Diego.

References: indiatoday, timesofisrael

Source: Maritime Shipping News