Pentagon chief orders submarine to Middle East and calls on aircraft carrier to speed up its passage
Officials fear retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah for the killings, and the United States is increasing its presence in the region.
Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier in the day and reiterated America’s commitment to “taking all possible steps to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. forces and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.”
The Lincoln, which was in the Asia-Pacific region, had already been ordered to the region to relieve the aircraft carrier battle group USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is due to begin its journey home from the Middle East.
Last week, Austin said the Lincoln would arrive in the Central Command area by the end of the month.
On Sunday, it was unclear what his latest order means and how much faster the Lincoln will travel toward the Middle East.
The carrier has F-35 fighter jets on board, in addition to the F/A-18 fighter jets that are also on carriers.
Ryder also did not say how quickly the guided missile submarine USS Georgia would reach the region.
He said Austin and Gallant also discussed Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and the importance of mitigating harm to civilians.
