Roosevelt departs for Middle East

3 US carriers in region possible by late November

Washington may return to Japan

Pacific carrier gap could be filled

Military aircraft are positioned on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea on Sept. 4. [AP]
Military aircraft are positioned on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea on Sept. 4. [AP]

The United States has dispatched an additional aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 troops to the Middle East, where two carriers are already deployed, raising questions about whether the buildup is meant to back President Donald Trump's military threats against Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (local time) that the USS Theodore Roosevelt departed its home port of San Diego, California, for the Middle East on Sunday. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, carrying troops from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sailed the following day.

The Journal said the additional forces heading to the Middle East number between 9,000 and 10,000 troops, with the carrier and its accompanying forces expected to arrive in the region by late November.

Two carriers — the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS George Washington — are currently deployed in the Middle East, along with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, bringing the total US military presence in the region to more than 50,000 personnel.

The additional deployment comes as Trump has escalated his threats against Iran. In an interview with Time magazine published that day, Trump said he could order a strike after the midterm elections if a deal with Iran is not reached. He had also pressed Iran hard at the UN General Assembly last month, invoking the word "obliteration" as he demanded an agreement.

Having three US carriers in the Middle East would be the first time since last April, the Journal said, and would give Trump more options and greater firepower should he decide to escalate.

The Journal also reported that the Washington could leave the Middle East and return to its home port in Japan once the Roosevelt arrives, effectively swapping the two carriers. The Washington had originally moved to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been experiencing mounting problems from an extended deployment in the region.

The Washington arrived in the Middle East on Aug. 20 and began its mission there. Its return would resolve the absence of a US carrier in the Pacific.


yckim6452@heraldcorp.com