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Pentagon Confident Despite Carrier Group Departure Amid Houthi Threats
The Pentagon remains confident in its ability to respond to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea despite the temporary reduced naval presence following the departure of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group.
EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES 03.25.2021 Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Drew Verbis Navy Operational Support Center Phoenix
The Pentagon assured on Monday that it maintains confidence in its ability to respond to ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, despite the departure of a Navy aircraft carrier strike group from the region and uncertainty over the arrival of another carrier group.
"We still have capability in the region," Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters, emphasizing the Navy's commitment to safeguarding commerce flow and mariner safety in the Red Sea through close collaboration with international allies and partners.
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Over the weekend, Ryder announced the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group's departure from the Red Sea after a deployment of over seven months, during which Houthi rebels have targeted commercial shipping. The strike group sailed into the Mediterranean Sea, with the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group slated to replace it in the region.
However, Ryder noted that the Theodore Roosevelt, currently deployed in the Pacific, will commence its westward journey next week after completing an exercise. Until its arrival, the Navy's presence in the Red Sea will be reduced to just two destroyers.
The effectiveness of Houthi attacks has escalated in recent weeks. They successfully utilized a drone vessel to strike a commercial ship, prompting the U.S. Navy to evacuate the crew before the vessel sank. Another cargo ship fell victim to two separate missile attacks, resulting in fires and severe injuries to a crew member who had to abandon ship along with their colleagues.
Maritime analysts have warned that these attacks not only increase shipping costs but also significantly reduce merchant traffic in the region. A Defense Intelligence Agency report highlighted the widespread negative impacts of Houthi actions on international energy and shipping sectors, crew safety, regional security, humanitarian efforts, navigation freedom, and commercial transit efficiency.
Currently, with the Eisenhower strike group in the Mediterranean, the Navy's Red Sea presence is maintained by the USS Laboon and USS Cole destroyers. Ryder added that destroyers deployed in Europe are actively contributing to defense efforts with additional capabilities, including aircraft and surveillance capabilities.
Looking ahead, a Navy official confirmed that when the Roosevelt arrives in the Middle East, it will bring four accompanying ships. However, specific timelines for their arrival were not disclosed.
"I'm not going to get into specific days," Ryder stated to reporters regarding the Roosevelt's deployment schedule.
