Barran Press
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, that the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which arrived in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, replacing the USS Eisenhower, is home to a "multi-purpose air wing, including support for ground attacks and electronic warfare."
In a statement posted on X, seen by "Barran Press", CENTCOM stated that the Roosevelt, which arrived in the region in mid-July, "is capable of carrying a variety of aircraft able to handle a diverse range of missions, from air superiority and ground attack to reconnaissance and electronic warfare."
The carrier hosts a wide array of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, the E-2D Hawkeye early warning aircraft, the C-2A Greyhound cargo plane, the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, and the F-35C Lightning II fighter, showcasing the extensive capabilities the Roosevelt can provide.
CENTCOM emphasized that the "overall strength of the USS Roosevelt ensures sustained effectiveness in the region, enabling the air wing to conduct a wide range of missions, including maintaining air superiority, supporting ground operations, conducting electronic warfare, and reconnaissance."
The deployment of the Roosevelt in the region "holds significant strategic importance, serving several key purposes, including enhancing maritime security, providing crucial support for operations, bolstering deterrence and stability, enabling rapid response operations, facilitating training, and strengthening partnerships."
CENTCOM stated that this deployment "allows for joint exercises with regional allies and partners, enhancing interoperability and strengthening military relationships."
On July 12th, CENTCOM reported the arrival of the USS Roosevelt in the Red Sea, replacing the USS Eisenhower as part of Washington's mission to protect navigation and weaken the capabilities of the Houthis, internationally designated as a terrorist group, to attack ships.
CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X at the time: "On July 12th, the carrier strike group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived in the US Fifth Fleet's area of operations."
The statement mentioned that the group arrived with the aim of "deterring aggression, promoting regional stability, and protecting the free flow of commerce in the region."
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier belonging to the US Navy, named after Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, according to the statement.
On June 22nd, the US Navy announced the "departure of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) from the Red Sea," coinciding with the deployment of the carrier currently stationed in the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East to continue the US presence in the region.
A US Navy news website reported that flight trackers observed Eisenhower's C-2A Greyhound aircraft flying from the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain to the Mediterranean Sea.
A US official stated that the decision came as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin chose not to extend the deployment of the Navy's second-oldest aircraft carrier for a third time.
The report mentioned that Eisenhower had been deployed for over eight months, exceeding the deployment period of any other US-based aircraft carrier in the past five years, confirming that "it was time to bring her home."
Since last November, the Houthis, internationally designated as a terrorist group, have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.
To deter the Houthis, the US-led "Operation Sentinel" coalition, with significant British participation, began airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. Meanwhile, the group expanded its operations to include ships linked to Washington and London, as announced by the group.
Since the Israeli occupation's attack on the port of Hodeidah (western Yemen) on July 20th, which was met with widespread local and Arab condemnation, the Red Sea has seen a notable lull, while US forces continue limited airstrikes against Houthi military positions and capabilities.
Over the past two weeks, no Houthi attacks have been recorded, with the last attack claimed by the group occurring a day before the Israeli attack on Hodeidah, specifically on July 19th, targeting the ship (Lobivia) in the Gulf of Aden.