US Deploys Second Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Houthi Attacks

The United States is deploying a second aircraft carrier with its strike group to the Middle East, announced yesterday (01.04.2025) by Pentagon representative Son Parnell. The move aims to protect maritime navigation and trade from Yemeni insurgent activity. Last month, Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for repeated attacks on the USS Harry Truman in the Red Sea, prompting the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson. Washington, which has recently conducted several airstrikes in Yemen, has not confirmed these attacks. Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza’s coastal region in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to the Pentagon, the USS Carl Vinson recently completed exercises in the ‘Indo-Pacific area’ to ‘promote regional stability, deter any aggression, and protect free trade flow in the region.’ The exact destinations of both strike groups remain undisclosed. Defense Secretary Pete Heggseth also ordered the deployment of ‘additional missiles and other air resources to further enhance our defense and support capabilities.’ The U.S. Navy operates eleven aircraft carriers, each capable of carrying around eighty aircraft of various types.