US deploys missile submarine and aircraft carrier to Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 11, 2024, the United States has intensified its military presence in the Middle East, deploying the USS Georgia, a guided-missile submarine, to the region and accelerating the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group.
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US Navy's Ohio-class submarine USS Georgia near Souda Bay, Greece. (Picture source: US DoD)

This move follows high-level discussions between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which focused on deterring potential aggression from Iran and Hezbollah.

The Pentagon announced the deployment, highlighting that it comes as Israel prepares for possible retaliatory actions following the recent deaths of senior figures from Hezbollah in Beirut and Hamas in Tehran. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Georgia are en route to U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East.

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In the event of an Iranian or Hezbollah attack, the submarine's arsenal of Tomahawk cruise missiles could be used to target key military infrastructure, command and control centers, or missile launch sites across the region.

The precision of Tomahawk missiles would enable the U.S. to carry out strikes with minimal collateral damage, focusing on high-value targets that are crucial to Iran's military and Hezbollah's operational capabilities. This would not only degrade their ability to continue offensive operations but also send a strong message about the consequences of escalating hostilities.

Additionally, the submarine could support broader U.S. and allied efforts by providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Operating close to enemy shores, the USS Georgia could gather critical data on Iranian and Hezbollah movements and positions, feeding this information to allied forces to improve targeting accuracy and situational awareness.

In a scenario where conflict intensifies, the submarine's ability to remain submerged and undetected gives the U.S. a significant tactical advantage. It could launch strikes at a moment's notice without giving the adversary time to react, maintaining the element of surprise and ensuring that U.S. forces retain the initiative in any conflict.