More Firepower – Defense Secretary Austin Announces Additional Carrier Strike Group, THAAD and Patriot Battalions Along with Expanded Prepare to Deploy Orders

By Sundance

I’m not going to narrate against this Pentagon announcement {HERE} today, I’m just going to share. Something is happening that is beyond just Israel going into Gaza.

[Defense Dept] – Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region. These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel.

First, I redirected the movement of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group is in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is currently operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will further increase our force posture and strengthen our capabilities and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.

I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.

Finally, I have placed an additional number of forces on prepare to deploy orders as part of prudent contingency planning, to increase their readiness and ability to quickly respond as required.

I will continue to assess our force posture requirements in the region and consider deploying additional capabilities as necessary. (link)

The USS Carney traveled through the Suez Canal Wednesday and immediately intercepted 4 cruise missiles and 11 drones from an unknown origin with an unknown destination. {Go Deep}  The Chinese navy was/is conducting exercises with the Omani navy.  “The Chinese warships left Muscat for an unspecified location on Saturday after participating in an exercise with the Omani navy” {LINK}