News - US sends another aircraft carrier group, guided missile submarine to Middle East

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had a telephone conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant Sunday, the Pentagon informed. Austin reiterated the United States' commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel. Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group. Additionally, the Secretary has ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region. Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed Israel's operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and “our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region.”