The U.S. Navy's continued presence in the Red Sea plays a crucial role in safeguarding international shipping from missile and drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Recently, a news contributor had the unique opportunity to be embedded with the U.S. Navy on the front lines of this conflict, offering valuable insights into the rapid response needed to combat incoming threats. This report comes from Manama, Bahrain, which serves as the headquarters for the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
The USS Eisenhower, an aircraft carrier, operates at a relentless pace to protect the Red Sea. Up to 50 fighter jets take off from the carrier daily to patrol the skies and strike targets in Yemen if necessary. The presence of the USS Gravely, a destroyer, is vital as it intercepts missiles and drones launched from Yemen. The crew onboard the destroyer operates under tremendous pressure, detecting incoming missiles through advanced radars and responding swiftly by launching counter-missiles.
The USS Gravely employs a sophisticated array of missile systems to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew. However, there have been instances when these systems have faced challenges. Recently, the ship had to resort to the phalanx system, one of its last lines of defense, when a Houthi missile managed to penetrate through some of the ship's defenses. Although they ultimately succeeded in shooting it down, the incident underscored the gravity of the situation faced by these naval forces.
The sustained operations conducted by the U.S. forces in this region is undoubtedly demanding. The jets on the USS Eisenhower have been deployed continuously, with sailors tirelessly working without respite for months on end. These dedicated individuals have endured countless hours without a break or the opportunity to set foot on land. Despite these challenges, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, overseeing operations on the Eisenhower, expressed their unwavering determination to remain in the area until the Houthis are defeated.
The prolonged sustainability of these operations is a question that looms over the mission. While the U.S. forces have carefully planned the logistics required to stay in the region, the Houthis have made it clear that they will not back down. Consequently, the duration of the U.S. presence in the Red Sea remains uncertain and may extend for a considerable period.
This report provides a compelling glimpse into an ongoing conflict that impacts international shipping and the safety of naval forces in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, further updates will shed light on the progress made and the challenges encountered by the U.S. Navy in their fight against the Houthi rebels.
