WASHINGTON. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that he has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be prepared to assist Israel following the recent attacks by Hamas, which have resulted in more than 1,000 casualties on both sides. Among the victims, there are reports of American citizens killed and missing.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, along with its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes, will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers. This deployment is intended to demonstrate U.S. readiness to respond to various scenarios, including interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.
The significant U.S. military presence in the region reflects a desire to deter any regional expansion of the conflict. In response to the escalating situation, the Israeli government formally declared war on Sunday and authorized “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least four American citizens have been killed in the attacks, and an additional seven are reported missing and unaccounted for, according to a U.S. official. The numbers are subject to change as further information becomes available. Most, if not all, of the victims are dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, the official noted, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss initial reports received by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
In addition to the USS Ford, the U.S. is deploying the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. The U.S. Air Force is also augmenting fighter aircraft squadrons in the region, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft.
“The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” Secretary Austin stated.
Furthermore, the Biden administration is expediting the delivery of additional equipment and resources, including munitions, to the Israel Defense Forces. This support will begin moving immediately and arrive in the coming days, according to Austin.
The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group was already in the Mediterranean, engaged in naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea last week. This deployment marks the carrier’s first full operational deployment.
Senior officials from the Pentagon and State Department briefed senators on Sunday night, assuring them that the United States is providing Israel with all the necessary support.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, discussing the situation, including the taking of hostages by Hamas terrorists. Biden stressed the need for international unity in response to such brutal actions and assured Netanyahu of ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts and additional assistance for Israeli forces.
As part of the U.S. efforts to deter further escalation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate conversations with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. In these discussions, Blinken emphasized the importance of their continued engagement and the U.S.’s commitment to halting the attacks by Hamas and securing the release of all hostages.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committee are preparing a bipartisan resolution expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning “Hamas’ brutal war.” This resolution is expected to be considered for a vote once the House elects a new speaker. House business is currently on hold following the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The selection process for a new speaker is set to begin on Tuesday.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
