U.S. Adjusts Military Presence in Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
On Friday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced changes to the U.S. military presence in the Middle East in response to escalating Iranian threats following the recent killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran.
USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Deployed
The USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, which was already scheduled to deploy, has been directed to move into the region, replacing the USS Theodore Roosevelt strike group. While the arrival date of the Lincoln remains uncertain, it recently docked in Guam for a scheduled port visit. This repositioning does not extend contractor deployment for sailors, but it does place them at the center of escalating regional tensions linked to the violence between Israel and Hamas.
Navy Destroyers Redeployed
Additionally, a Navy official confirmed that two out of the five destroyers with the USS Theodore Roosevelt—namely the USS Laboon and USS Cole—have been ordered to the Red Sea, redirecting towards Israel. The USS Theodore Roosevelt maintains its position near Iran in the Gulf of Oman.
Ongoing Regional Tensions
The volatility in the Middle East intensified following October 7, 2023, when Hamas executed a surprise attack against Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis and hundreds taken captive. Although there were advancements in cease-fire and hostage negotiations, further military actions disrupted progress, including a missile strike linked to Hezbollah that prompted Israel to act with an airstrike in Beirut and the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran.
U.S. Travel Advisories Issued
In light of these recent events, the U.S. State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory for Lebanon. The advisory warns of rising hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The U.K. has similarly urged its citizens to exit Lebanon while commercial travel options remain available.
Maritime and Ground Forces Dedicated to Deterrence
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes the USS Wasp and other support ships, has been stationed in the eastern Mediterranean prior to Austin’s announcement. This deployment involves approximately 2,200 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Their primary objective is to prevent the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel from escalating into a broader regional confrontation.
Preparedness for Noncombatant Evacuations
It’s uncertain whether the Marines aboard the USS Wasp plan to assist with the evacuation of civilians from Lebanon. Nonetheless, Marine Expeditionary Units are trained for various operations, including noncombatant evacuation missions. The 24th MEU executed a significant evacuation of approximately 15,000 American citizens from Lebanon in 2006, a milestone considered one of the largest in recent military history.
Increased Readiness at the Pentagon
The Pentagon has announced it will bolster its defense capabilities in the region by increasing the readiness for additional land-based ballistic missile defense systems and deploying an extra fighter squadron to enhance air support. However, officials have not disclosed specific units participating in these ongoing missions or the duration of these deployments.
