The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, will continue its mission in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for at least another month, according to U.S. officials. The strike group, which includes the USS Philippine Sea, a cruiser, and two destroyers, the USS Gravely and the USS Mason, has been deployed in the region since October.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently signed an order to extend the deployment for a second time, citing the critical role the ships have played in protecting commercial and military vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The decision to keep the carrier and its accompanying ships in the region means that approximately 6,000 sailors will remain on duty until the middle of the summer.
The Navy's presence in the region has been instrumental in safeguarding the vital waterways that see about 12% of the world's trade pass through, including oil, natural gas, and various goods. The strike group's operations have targeted Houthi threats and have participated in joint missions with British forces to neutralize militant group activities.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational mission initiated by Austin in December, aims to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Recent airstrikes by F/A-18 fighter jets off the Eisenhower have targeted Houthi positions in response to increased attacks by the group.
The strike group's aircraft have flown over 12,100 sorties, totaling more than 27,200 flight hours, and have launched numerous air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons. The warships have traveled extensive distances and launched a significant number of missiles in their mission to defend U.S., coalition, and merchant ships in the region.
The decision to extend the deployment underscores the ongoing commitment of the U.S. Navy to maintain stability and security in the strategically important Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions.
