The amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), front, the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) are underway in formation through the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, June 9, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting/Released)
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility in the Middle East, the command announced on July 20.
In a statement, CETCOM said that the ARG/MEU will bring additional aviation, maritime assets, and U.S. Marines, providing even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region.
The command didn’t provide any details on the unit. However, the Associated Press, citing U.S. officials, said that the unit will include the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, as well as the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall. An expeditionary unit usually consists of about 2,500 Marines.
The naval unit left the port of Norfolk in Virginia, earlier this month. It is still unclear if all three ships would continue into the Gulf region.
“U.S. Central Command is committed to defending freedom of navigation within our area of responsibility which includes some of the most important waterways in the world,” said General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander U.S. Central Command. “These additional forces provide unique capabilities, which alongside our partner nations in the region, further safeguard the free flow of international commerce and uphold the rules based international order, and deter Iranian destabilizing activities in the region.”
CENTCOM claims that Iran attacked, seized, or attempted seizure of nearly 20 internationally flagged merchant vessels in its area of operations over the past two years.
The deployment of the ARG/MEU in the Middle East came following several decisions in recent weeks to send the USS Thomas Hudner, a destroyer, as well as a number of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to the region. There also have been A-10 attack aircraft there for several weeks.
Tensions have been mounting in the region since Iran seized two oil tankers in April and May in the Persian Gulf, reportedly in response to the capture of a China-bound Iranian oil shipment by the U.S. near southern Africa earlier in April.
Early on in July, the U.S. claimed that Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and fired on one of them. These claims were denied by Iran.
The U.S. military build up in the Middle East could lead to more tensions with Iran. The slightest incident could lead to a direct clash between the two sides.
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