US to Deploy Third Aircraft Carrier to Middle East

The United States is preparing to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East by deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group and additional Marine Corps ships. The USS Theodore Roosevelt left San Diego on September 27 and is heading toward the region. Reports citing US officials indicate that the deployment could involve an additional 9,000 to 10,000 sailors and Marines, with the ships and personnel expected to arrive by the end of November.

The arrival of the Theodore Roosevelt would add to the US naval presence already represented by the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington carrier strike groups. A US official said the ships currently heading toward the region include more than 7,000 sailors and around 2,000 Marines, while the broader US military presence in the region includes more than 50,000 personnel. Reports also indicate that the US has more than 20,000 sailors and Marines and hundreds of military aircraft in the region. The deployment comes amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran.