The U.S. is deploying the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group to the Middle East, a move that could bring three U.S. aircraft carriers to the region by the end of October. This information was revealed to the Associated Press and the Wall Street Journal by U.S. officials.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1986. It has a full-load displacement of approximately 97,000 tons, a speed exceeding 30 knots, and can carry more than 65 aircraft. The U.S. Navy describes it as a platform capable of performing a wide range of missions, from air combat and surface attack to anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare.
The ship's main strength lies not only in its hull but also in the air wing deployed on deck. Carrier Air Wing 11 currently comprises 9 squadrons, operating F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as MH-60R/S helicopters and V-22 Osprey transport aircraft.
In this system, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet handles most of the air combat and ground attack missions. The EA-18G Growler specializes in electronic warfare and jamming. The E-2D Hawkeye plays a role in air surveillance, detecting targets at long distances and supporting combat operations coordination.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt does not operate alone. It is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9, accompanied by escort ships and naval air forces. Such a strike group can maintain operations at sea for extended periods without needing a land-based air base. The U.S. Navy identifies aircraft carriers and their onboard air wings as crucial tools for projecting power globally.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego on September 27th. Currently, the Middle East is served by the aircraft carriers USS George HW Bush and USS George Washington. If both of these ships maintain their positions when the USS Theodore Roosevelt arrives, the U.S. will have three carrier strike groups in the region. A U.S. official indicated this could happen as early as the end of October.
The addition of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, therefore, is not just about bringing another aircraft carrier to the Middle East. It also brings an additional combat air wing, early warning aircraft, electronic warfare capabilities, and escort ships to the region. This force size adds to the U.S. military's capacity to conduct air and sea missions should Washington decide to deploy force.
Source: https://anninhthudo.vn/suc-manh-tau-san-bay-hat-nhan-uss-theodore-roosevelt-cua-my-dang-tien-ve-phia-iran-post670670.antd
