The United States is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East by deploying the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the region amid rising tensions. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reinforce US support for Israel and deter aggression from Iran and its proxies.
In a call with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the deployment of the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) to the Central Command area. The submarine's arrival will complement the capabilities of two carrier strike groups already en route to the region.
"Secretary Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions'" a readout by the US Department of Defense said.
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, has been ordered to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area. The group will join the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, which is already present in the region.
During their conversation, Austin and Gallant discussed Israel's ongoing anti-terrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of minimizing harm to civilians. They also reviewed progress toward securing a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terror organization.
The two defense leaders addressed efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region. The discussion occurred at a time of heightened concern over the potential for wider conflict in the Middle East, as per the readout.
