The United States’ “Operation Wrath of the Epic” military campaign against Iran has entered its second week. Currently, the USS Ford and USS Lincoln aircraft carrier strike groups are conducting operations in the waters near Iran. On Saturday, a US official revealed that the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier strike group is also set to be deployed to the Middle East.
According to a US official who spoke to CBS News on Saturday, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) strike group is prepared for deployment to the Middle East.
The Bush aircraft carrier strike group is currently near the Norfolk Naval Base and has completed comprehensive training exercises, which are routine exercises before any deployment.
CBS reported that the strike group will pass through the US European Command area before heading to the Middle East.
Fox News also reported that the Bush aircraft carrier strike group is “expected to deploy soon” to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Bush aircraft carrier and its escort ships and carrier-based aircraft squadrons have completed all the comprehensive joint force training exercises required before achieving national mission certification for carrier strike groups.
A news release from the US Fleet Command stated, “The ‘Bush’ aircraft carrier strike group has consistently demonstrated its precise and rapid launch and recovery capabilities of its air power.”
The release continued, “During the 28-day exercise, the 7th Carrier Air Wing conducted a total of 1586 flight missions, including 693 successful daytime arrested landings and 682 nighttime landings. Such high speed and sustained combat capability have contributed to the unique offensive capability of the United States.”
Officials from the carrier strike group emphasized that they are prepared for deployment. “We know our comrades are currently in harm’s way.” Colonel Robert Bibeau, commanding officer of the USS Bush aircraft carrier, stated in a release.
“Our duty is to ensure that when they need us – whether it’s air superiority, strike capabilities, electronic warfare, or presence – we can immediately provide support without hesitation.”
According to photos released by the US military, the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier passed through the Suez Canal on Thursday and is now in the Red Sea.
Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier remains stationed in the Arabian Sea, ready to strike Iran during the conflict.
The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier battle group will take some time to arrive in the Middle East, but US officials have indicated that it is expected to overlap deployments with the USS Ford and USS Lincoln aircraft carriers.