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US Navy Deployment: High-Intensity Operations Against Houthi Forces
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group recently concluded a significant deployment in the Middle East, where it engaged in intensive operations against Houthi forces. During this challenging period, the strike group launched nearly 800 munitions, underscoring the operational demands and escalating costs of the mission.
New data released by the Navy last week provide an in-depth look at the strike group’s combat activities from November through June. This information highlights the extensive engagement with Iran-backed rebels and the operational intensity faced by US forces in the region. The figures illustrate a proactive approach to securing vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden amid persistent Houthi threats.
The Eisenhower strike group, which primarily consists of the aircraft carrier Ike, various destroyers, and a cruiser, has recently returned from its mission. It is being replaced by another carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, along with additional naval vessels.
Throughout its deployment, the strike group fired a total of 770 munitions, an increase of over 250 from earlier reports in May, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of the conflict. Among the munitions utilized were 155 Standard surface-to-air missiles designed to intercept incoming threats, and 135 Tomahawk missiles aimed at terrestrial targets. These strikes were part of dedicated operations targeting Houthi military infrastructure and capabilities in Yemen.
The carrier air wing affiliated with the Eisenhower played a crucial role in the mission, deploying F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters and EA-18 Growler jets. The air wing conducted more than 13,000 sorties, totaling over 31,400 flight hours, during which they released approximately 420 air-to-surface weapons and near 60 air-to-air missiles. These air strikes helped to mitigate aerial threats, eliminate maritime targets, and further degrade Houthi military capabilities.
According to Navy officials, the operations were critical in responding to immediate threats posed by Houthi forces, with strikes conducted against more than 460 targeted sites to diminish their offensive abilities. However, specifics regarding the types and quantities of munitions expended were not fully disclosed, making it challenging to ascertain the total financial cost of the weaponry utilized throughout the mission.
By mid-April, the strike group had already expended missiles valued at approximately $1 billion, and this figure is expected to have increased considerably given the additional munitions launched in subsequent months. Navy leaders characterized the nine-month deployment as “unprecedented,” facing a range of complex threats, including anti-ship missiles and drone attacks.
Vice Adm. George Wikoff, the commander of the US 5th Fleet, emphasized the operational success of the strike group in addressing Houthi provocations, stating that the force engaged the enemy directly and effectively safeguarded maritime routes. He noted the importance of these operations in reducing risks to shipping and reinforcing the US commitment to maintain maritime security.
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