US Navy conducts exercises with two aicraft carriers in East Med to deter Iran-linked entities.

According to information published by the US DoD on November 8, 2023, the US Navy has successfully completed a series of joint exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carriers. (Picture source: US DoD)

Over a period of three days, sailors and aviators from two mighty aircraft carrier strike groups, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CSG 12) and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CSG 2), engaged in rigorous training maneuvers.

The complex exercises included high-value unit defense, ballistic missile defense, strategic replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and enhanced maritime security operations.

The impressive USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), known as the U.S. Sixth Fleet's command and control ship, played a pivotal role in the operations. Reinforcing the U.S.-Italy alliance, the Italian Navy contributed mightily with the participation of the ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and ITS Carlo Margottini (F 592) frigates.

The complex exercises included high-value unit defense, ballistic missile defense, strategic replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and enhanced maritime security operations. The USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), known as the U.S. Sixth Fleet's command and control ship, played a pivotal role in the operations.

Reinforcing the U.S.-Italy alliance, the Italian Navy contributed mightily with the participation of the ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and ITS Carlo Margottini (F 592) frigates. The exercises were a testament to the readiness and capabilities of over 11,000 U.S. personnel who took part.

Context

Recent Islamist threats against Israel have been escalating amid a broader conflict in the Middle East. The conflict has already seen an uptick in violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, with casualties reported on both sides.

The Houthis in Yemen have launched cruise missiles and drones towards Israel, which, despite being largely symbolic due to their limited range and effectiveness, underscores their alignment with the Palestinian cause.