USS Theodore Roosevelt Leaves Middle East After Extended Deployment
US officials have confirmed that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is heading home after its extended deployment in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier had remained in the region longer than planned under orders from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ensure a continued US presence as the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived. The US bolstered its military forces in the Middle East to defend Israel from potential threats posed by Iran and its proxies, as well as to protect US troops.
US commanders in the region have emphasized the importance of having aircraft carriers as a deterrent, particularly against Iran. Since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began last year, the US has maintained a persistent carrier presence, with two carriers briefly stationed in the area at the same time.
The decision to bring the Roosevelt home follows 11 months of ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Attempts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly failed.
The USS Abraham Lincoln remains in the Gulf of Oman, while other US warships continue to operate in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Seas. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which spent several months in the Red Sea earlier this year, has since returned to the US following an intense deployment.
