US Deploys Carrier Strike Group to Eastern Mediterranean in Aid of Israel

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that the Ford carrier strike group has been directed to move to the Eastern Mediterranean. This action is intended to bolster Israel following a devastating attack by Hamas, which has resulted in a death toll exceeding 1,000 on both sides of the conflict. Among the casualties were reported to be American citizens.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, which is the U.S. Navy’s most technologically advanced aircraft carrier, will lead the group. Accompanying the Ford will be approximately 5,000 sailors and a fleet of warplanes. In addition, accompanying cruisers and destroyers will form part of a significant show of force, aimed at being prepared for a wide range of contingencies, including the potential interception of further arms supplies to Hamas and surveillance operations.

This substantial military deployment signifies the United States’ intent to prevent the regional escalation of the conflict. However, the Israeli government officially declared war on Sunday and approved “significant military steps” against Hamas in retaliation.

Initial reports from a U.S. official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, suggest that at least four U.S. citizens were killed and seven others are missing, with numbers subject to change as more information becomes available. According to the same source, most of the individuals reported as dead or missing hold dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship.

The carrier strike group will also include the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. In addition, U.S. Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region will be strengthened.

Defense Secretary Austin stated, “The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required.” He also indicated that the Biden administration is quickly supplying the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and munitions, with the first wave of security assistance to arrive in the coming days.

The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group had already been conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea and is in its first full deployment.

In a telephone discussion on Sunday, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the kidnapping of civilians by Hamas, including entire families and the vulnerable. Biden emphasized the need for international unity in responding to these severe crimes. He also informed the Prime Minister that further support for Israeli forces is imminent.

Efforts to prevent further escalation of the situation have also seen Secretary of State Antony Blinken engage with officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, urging continued engagement and reiterating the U.S.’s commitment to halting the attacks by Hamas.

On the legislative front, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is preparing a bipartisan resolution that expresses unequivocal support for Israel and condemns Hamas. This resolution is likely to be one of the first items up for vote following the election of a new Speaker of the House.

House activities are currently on hold following the unprecedented removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Majority Republicans are set to initiate the selection process in a private forum scheduled for Tuesday evening, with the actual election likely to occur as early as Wednesday.

Contributions to this report were made by AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee and AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro.

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More about Ford carrier strike group Eastern Mediterranean

• U.S. Department of Defense Official Statement
• USS Gerald R. Ford Information
• Israel-Hamas Conflict Overview
• U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Biography of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
• Statement from the White House on U.S.-Israel Relations
• Antony Blinken’s Diplomatic Efforts
• U.S. Military Deployment in the Mediterranean
• U.S. Citizens Affected in Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Update on House Speaker Election Process