US aircraft carriers may change Middle East balance of power - analysis

The US is extending the role of the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier in the Middle East amid operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis. In addition, reports say that the USS Carl Vinson, a second carrier, may arrive in the region in the next several weeks. Both carriers are accompanied by numerous ships as part of their carrier strike groups.

This will bolster the US presence in the region, providing the Pentagon with more aircraft and firepower. Although this concentration of firepower is new, it is not unique. It’s worth understanding the naval background of US forces in the region over the last two years.

The US has had two carriers in the region in the past. There is usually one to support US Central Command, and sometimes a second carrier transits the region as well. For instance, after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Washington kept the USS Gerald Ford and several ships in the eastern Mediterranean to deter Hezbollah or Iran from taking advantage of the situation.The Ford stayed in the region until early January 2024, when it returned to the US. It was accompanied by the USS Mesa Verde and USS Carter Hall. Along with the USS Bataan, these vessels had included the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and had been abroad for eight months. (Read More)