US confirms deployment of aircraft carrier to Europe, says it was previously ‘scheduled�
Deployment of USS Ford Carrier Strike Group was a 'scheduled' one, US defense official tells Anadolu
WASHINGTON
A US defense official on Wednesday confirmed that a US aircraft carrier is expected to be deployed to Europe next week.
The official told Anadolu that it was a "scheduled" one.
The CNN earlier reported that the USS Ford Carrier Strike Group "will likely move" into the eastern Mediterranean Sea, near Israel, given the ongoing conflict with Iran.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that he directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the Middle East over the weekend amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
"Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Hegseth said on X.
"Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region," he added.
On Monday, a defense official told Anadolu that Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility to sustain "our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel."
"In the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) AOR, the U.S. Navy continues to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of U.S. national security objectives," the official added.
Regional tensions have escalated since Friday, when Israel launched airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
