USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG Deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean

October 16, 2023

On October 14, US Defence Secretary Austin Lloyd made a significant announcement, directing the nuclear-powered USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Eastern Mediterranean. This strategic move places the carrier group right next to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant organization Hamas.

The Israel-Hamas Conflict

As of October 13, Israel appears poised for a ground invasion of Gaza with the goal of dismantling Hamas.
Tens of thousands of troops, tanks, and artillery have been deployed on the Gaza border.
This escalation follows Hamas’s sudden attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deadliest terrorist attack the country has ever witnessed, claiming over 1,400 Israeli lives. Israel has responded with relentless airstrikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas hideouts and infrastructure.
To date, more than 6,000 bombs have been dropped on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 2,215 Palestinians and 8,714 injuries.

US Deployment and Its Purpose

The United States has decided to deploy two aircraft carrier strike groups (CSGs) to the region in response to the escalating conflict. This move serves several purposes:

Deterrence and Support for Israel:

The presence of these CSGs reaffirms the US commitment to its long-time ally, Israel.
Acting as a deterrent, it discourages other actors in the region, such as Hezbollah, from further escalating the conflict.

Strategic Capabilities:

The CSGs can serve as primary command and control centers, covering a wide area.
They possess information warfare capabilities and can launch surveillance planes for early missile warnings.
These carriers carry F-18 fighter jets capable of intercepts and strikes.

Humanitarian Aid:

The CSGs have onboard hospitals with medical staff, surgeons, and doctors.
Helicopters are available for critical supply airlifts and medical evacuations.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG and Its Capabilities

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, known for its flexibility in mission capabilities, including maritime security, expeditionary power projection, crisis response, deterrence, and more. It comprises a cruiser, at least two destroyers, and a supply ship. The current strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely and USS Mason, and Carrier Air Wing 3 with nine aircraft squadrons.

USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the newest and most advanced in the US Navy, is also deployed to the region. It includes ships like the USS Normandy, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. Additionally, the US Air Force has announced the deployment of squadrons of F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft to the region.

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