US Aircraft Carrier Departs Middle East for Indo-Pacific Region
The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is returning to the Indo-Pacific after an extension of its Middle East deployment, announced Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Sep. 12.
Ryder stated, “The Theodore Roosevelt has departed and has begun its transit into the Indo-Pacific command area of operations. We remain intensely focused on working with regional partners to de-escalate tensions and deter a wider regional conflict in the Middle East.”
While the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Georgia remain deployed in the Middle East, another carrier strike group, amphibious ready group, Marine expeditionary unit, and various destroyers and fighter aircraft are positioned in the region to address emerging threats from the Israel-Hamas war, according to Ryder.
After an initial visit extension in August, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been deployed for about nine months due to tensions in the Middle East involving threats against Israel by Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The extended deployment marked the second time the United States had two aircraft carriers stationed in the region concurrently since the Israel-Hamas war began. It remains uncertain if another carrier will replace the Roosevelt.
Ryder declined to mention if the Roosevelt was heading back to San Diego, only stating it was en route to the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. When asked if the departure of the Roosevelt suggested a decreased threat from Iran, Ryder emphasized maintaining a strong presence due to Iran’s threats against Israel.
Fears of a large-scale attack by Iran or its proxies have increased, particularly after the assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. The United States extended the Roosevelt’s deployment in anticipation of potential retaliations.
As negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza have stalled, Ryder affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to securing a cease-fire as part of a hostage deal to bring all hostages home and end the war in Gaza.
