Washington sends USS George H.W. Bush strike group to Middle East

Published :

1 hour ago|

US deploys USS George H.W. Bush strike group to Middle East amid Iran war.
Deployment strengthens ongoing operations after earlier carrier setbacks.

The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East by deploying the USS George H.W. Bush strike group, US officials told CBS News. The aircraft carrier, serving as the flagship of the group, will operate under US Central Command (CENTCOM) and is expected to join ongoing operations against Iran.

CENTCOM oversees US military operations in the region and is a critical command given its strategic location and current activity levels.

Accompanying Ships and Operational Readiness

Sources said the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross departed Norfolk, Virginia, last Wednesday, while USS Donald Cook and USS Mason left Florida earlier this week to join the deployment. The strike group recently completed readiness exercises designed to prepare it for major combat operations.

Previous Deployments and Context

The last deployment of the George H.W. Bush strike group was to the Mediterranean in 2022, returning to Norfolk in August 2023. Earlier in the Iran war, two US carrier strike groups led by USS Gerald Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln were positioned in the region. The Ford suffered a fire onboard and diverted to the Greek island of Crete for repairs.

Since February 28, 'Israel' and the United States have conducted military operations against Iran, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior security officials. Tehran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting US and allied interests, including civilian infrastructure, prompting regional condemnation.

The deployment of the George H.W. Bush strike group underscores Washington’s intent to maintain a strong operational presence amid escalating hostilities with Iran.