The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and its accompanying strike group are preparing to join the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, signaling an expanded U.S. military presence in response to the ongoing conflict with Iran-backed Houthis. The Carl Vinson recently made a port call in Guam on March 29, 2025, for resupply and final operational preparations before its deployment, as reported by Navy Times.

Admiral Michael Wosje, commander of the Carl Vinson, emphasized Guam's strategic importance in maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during the port visit. The carrier's deployment follows a period of heightened U.S. military activity in the region.

Under the direction of President Donald Trump, U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen have increased in intensity. According to the Associated Press, a two-day offensive from March 15 to 17 resulted in strikes against 30 Houthi targets. Reports indicate that these strikes have targeted both military and civilian areas. The Houthis have publicly vowed retaliation for the airstrikes, which they claim resulted in 53 fatalities. Thus far, reported Houthi retaliatory attempts have been unsuccessful.