The U.S. has deployed a third carrier strike group to the Middle East, elevating maritime alert levels in the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 25 (local time), ABC News Australia reported that the U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush had entered waters near Iran.
The U.S. Navy said the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group comprises roughly 5,000 sailors, and the carrier embarked nine air squadrons. The group is accompanied by Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Ross, USS Donald Cook and USS Mason.
With this deployment, the U.S. now operates three carrier strike groups in the Middle East: USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush.
Officials say the naval buildup could bolster short-term security in the Strait of Hormuz. But analysts warn that if the risk of military confrontation rises, shipping disruptions — including tanker delays — could increase and drive volatility in maritime markets.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) reports at least 21 naval vessels and more than 16,500 sailors and Marines deployed across the Middle East. The U.S. has reportedly positioned roughly 40% of its naval forces in the region.
By Yeom Jae-in | yji@viva100.com
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