The United States has strengthened its military presence along the line stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Oman, increasing the number of its warships to 23 following heightened tensions with Iran.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing foreign media outlets, that the strategic deployment aims to bolster regional security and deterrence capabilities.
According to official reports, the U.S. has currently stationed 10 warships in the Mediterranean Sea, one in the Gulf of Aden, 10 in the Sea of Oman, and two in the Persian Gulf. The Mediterranean fleet specifically includes one aircraft carrier, eight destroyers, and one replenishment oiler.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's newest generation aircraft carrier, operates on a nuclear power system, allowing it to function for extended periods without refueling. With a full-load displacement of approximately 100,000 tons, the vessel is capable of carrying up to 75 combat aircraft, facilitating large-scale air operations on the high seas.
The vessel is equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for air defense. With a crew of approximately 4,550 personnel, the carrier is considered a primary element of U.S. global military deterrence. Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the United States continues to prioritize the maintenance of maritime security and the protection of international trade routes in these volatile waters.
Furthermore, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are performing multi-purpose missions, including air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and ballistic missile defense. Equipped with torpedo systems and advanced radar sensors, these destroyers play a critical role in protecting aircraft carrier strike groups.
With a crew of about 300, these ships provide a defensive shield against aerial threats and offer long-range, precision strike capabilities against land targets when necessary. Additionally, the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USS Kanawha provides essential fuel and logistical support at sea, ensuring the continuity of fleet operations during long-term deployments.
This military buildup occurs against a backdrop of long-standing geopolitical friction in the Middle East. The deployment of such significant naval assets is a standard procedure used by Washington to ensure the stability of global energy supply chains and to support allied nations in the region. Historically, the presence of U.S. carrier strike groups in these waters has served as a signal of commitment to regional partners and a deterrent against potential maritime provocations.
