Summary
The United States is continuing its military activities in the Middle East as conflicts with Iran persist. The U.S. has deployed additional naval and marine forces in the region, including aircraft carriers and Marine Expeditionary Units, to boost its presence and carry out operations alongside Israeli forces.
Key Facts
- The U.S. and Israel have launched a joint air campaign, "Operation Epic Fury," against Iran's military and nuclear sites.
- The U.S. sent a third aircraft carrier, the USS George HW Bush, to the Middle East to join existing carrier groups.
- A Carrier Strike Group (CSG) includes an aircraft carrier, fighter jets, destroyers, a cruiser, submarines, and supply ships.
- An Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) can launch sea-to-land invasions and carries Marines and landing equipment.
- The USS Tripoli ARG is stationed in the Middle East; the USS Boxer ARG is on its way.
- A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a rapid-response force with about 2,200 Marines, ready for combat and humanitarian tasks.
- Two Marine Expeditionary Units, the 31st and 11th, have been ordered to the Middle East.
- The U.S. is also moving 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, adding to the 50,000 U.S. troops already there.
