The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, announced on 23/4 that the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush is operating in the Indian Ocean, within CENTCOM's area of responsibility. The warship departed the US in late March and sailed around southern Africa to reach the area.
This deployment marks the third US aircraft carrier operating near Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently in the Arabian Sea, supporting the blockade of Iranian seaports. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford returned to the Red Sea after repairs in Croatia following a fire incident in March.
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The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush operating in the Indian Ocean on 23/4. *Photo: CENTCOM* |
This strategic move follows US President Donald Trump's announcement on 21/4 that he had extended a ceasefire agreement, awaiting a negotiation proposal from Iran. However, the ceasefire is widely considered fragile.
Tensions persist as the US maintains its blockade of Iranian seaports. In response, Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and declared Washington's ongoing operations a major obstacle to negotiation efforts. Beyond the seaport blockade, the US military is also conducting mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. On 23/4, President Trump issued an order to US forces to "destroy any Iranian vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of their size".
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Location of Iran, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. *Graphics: Sky News* |
The USS George H.W. Bush is the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. It was laid down in 9/2003, launched in 10/2006, and commissioned in 1/2009. The ship has a displacement of over 100,000 tons and a maximum speed of 56 km/h. It can operate continuously for 20-25 years before requiring refueling.
The carrier can accommodate dozens of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Its air wing is equipped with F/A-18E/F multi-role fighter jets, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, E-2 early warning aircraft, and SH-60 utility helicopters.
Pham Giang (According to Business Insider, Washington Post, CNN)
