US Navy Carrier Group Steps Up Operations Near Strait of Hormuz as Iran Attacks Ships
The US Navy has intensified its carrier operations near the Strait of Hormuz in response to recent Iranian attacks on ships, deploying the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group to the Arabian Sea. This redeployment comes as American forces continue naval operations against Iran and maintain a maritime blockade intended to restrict Iranian shipping activities. The Bush is operating alongside the USS George Washington, which remains deployed with Carrier Air Wing 5 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86). The presence of two carriers in the region provides a formidable deterrent and enhances the US military’s ability to respond to threats.nnThe Bush’s aviation component includes carrier-based F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters, alongside F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. These aircraft offer a mix of stealth, electronic warfare, and airborne early warning capabilities, significantly boosting the strike group’s combat power. While their nuclear propulsion systems provide extended cruising endurance, aviation fuel, ammunition, maintenance supplies, and provisions still require regular replenishment at sea. Operating two carriers also allows flight operations to be distributed between the ships, providing additional flexibility during maintenance periods, aircraft recovery cycles, or phases of increased operational activity.nnThe Pentagon on Sunday shared details about Operation Midnight Hammer, the massive, complicated mission that struck three key Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, calling it the “largest B-2 operational strike in U.S. history.” Gen. Caine called it a “deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders.” The main strike force of seven B-2 Spirit bombers, each with two crew members, flew silently eastward with minimal communications as it undertook the 18-hour flight to the target area. A submarine launched more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles against key surface infrastructure targets as the main strike force entered Iranian airspace. More deception tactics were used, and support aircraft pushed out in front of the main strike group at a high altitude and speed to sweep for enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile threats. “HEGSETH, MILITARY BRASS DESCRIBE ‘INCREDIBLE AND OVER
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