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US Navy aircraft carriers USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) have began dual carrier strike group and joint air wing operations with a B-52 Bomber from US Air Forces Central Command in the Arabian Sea.
The dual-carrier operations integrated with B-52s represent the current combined joint capability and interoperability to plan and conduct multi-task force operations in the US Central Command area of responsibility.
With the inherent manoeuvrability and the combined strike power of two aircraft carriers, the United States remains committed to the security and stability in the region, and is prepared to protect and defend our forces and partners as needed.
Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, said, “While we continue to take active steps to prevent and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 across the Middle East, Naval Forces operating in the region have suffered no impacts to readiness. We remain ready and focused to respond forcefully and decisively to any aggression.”
The seamless integration of naval and air commands builds a common tactical picture linking dozens of ships and aircraft to ensure the freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce, as well as provide the combatant commander significant striking power for contingency operations.
“Our two carrier strike groups have been laser-focused on readiness to defeat any threats to security in the region; planning and training specifically against potential threats since June of 2019. While we do not and will not seek conflict at sea, we have never been better postured and more thoroughly prepared to response to it with overwhelming force,” VADM Malloy explained.
"We will continue to synchronize air operations, strike and combat training with the Air Component Commander and the robust forces he now has at his disposal – as steel sharpens steel,” VADM Malloy added.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transited the Arabian Sea on 18 March 2020. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
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