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Trump Administration Deploys Third U.S. Aircraft Carrier and Additional Marine Division to the Middle East
By Drooid · · How we work
US Expands Carrier Presence in the Middle East
A senior U.S. official told *The Jerusalem Post* that the Trump administration has ordered a third aircraft carrier and a second Marine division to the region. The move adds the nuclear-powered USS Theodore Roosevelt to an existing carrier lineup that already includes the USS George Washington and the USS George H.W. Bush, both operating in the Arabian Sea.
Deployment Details
- USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Francisco on a Sunday and is sailing toward U.S. Central Command’s area of operations to relieve the USS George Washington.
- USS Makin Island left San Diego a day later, carrying the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) – roughly 2,200 Marines and personnel.
- The USS Boxer amphibious ready group, together with the USS Portland and USS Comstock, remains in the Arabian Sea with the 11th MEU.
- Combined, the three ships of the Makin Island group host about 2,000 sailors.
The carrier strike groups each include fighter aircraft and escort vessels. The USS George Washington was photographed handling munitions on its flight deck on September 13, 2026, while enforcing a naval blockade against Iran and escorting commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strategic Context
The deployment follows the arrival of the USS George Washington in mid-August, expanding the U.S. naval footprint amid heightened tensions with Iran. By positioning a third carrier, the United States aims to maintain continuous air-power coverage, reinforce maritime security, and signal a robust response to regional threats.
Potential Implications
Analysts note that the additional carrier and Marine forces increase the United States’ ability to project power, protect shipping lanes, and deter hostile actions in the Persian Gulf. The presence of multiple carrier strike groups also provides redundancy, ensuring sustained operational capability even if one asset is compromised. However, the expanded posture may further strain U.S.–Iran relations and could prompt reciprocal moves by regional actors.