USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (USCENTCOM PR pic)
America’s Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to begin moving to the Eastern Mediterranean, near Israel’s shores. Secretary Austin said this is being done as part of America’s effort to “deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas‘s attack on Israel.”
The Strike Group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87), and Carrier Air Wing 3, with nine aircraft squadrons, and embarked headquarters staffs.
The announcement came just after Secretary Austin completed his visit to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, among others.
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The Eisenhower CSG will join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which arrived earlier this week. The Ford CSG includes the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. Earlier in the week, the U.S. Air Force announced deployment to the region of squadrons of F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft.
“The increases to U.S. force posture signal the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security and our resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war,” stated Lloyd Austin.
Secretary Lloyd Austin said that while he was in Israel over the past two days in order to “underscore our commitment to Israel’s security in the wake of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks. We have Israel’s back and will ensure they have what they need to defend themselves.”
While in Israel, Lloyd Austin said, “We’re rapidly moving to provide the IDF with resources to include ammunition and interceptors to resupply Iron Dome (anti-missile defense system). These critical assets will help ensure Israel has what it needs to defend its cities & citizens.”
Secretary Austin visited the Israel’ Air Force’s Nevatim base and saw some of the military assistance arriving from the US.
Austin told Benjamin Netanyahu, that “the people of Israel have the unwavering support of the US, and we are committed to ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself.”
