Iran issued a warning about 12 days before its April 2024 attack. This time, they've done the same. To protect Israel from this attack, the US repositioned its forces in April, and they've made further changes this time around. During Hezbollah's attack last October, the US military was less active.
Let's examine how the US military altered its positioning, fleet, troops, and weapons in October-November 2023, April 2023, and August 2024. On August 13, 2024, the US, along with the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, issued a statement to Iran urging against war.
Read more: F-22 Raptor: America's most advanced stealth fighter jet deployed for Israel
Source: aajtak
This situation would cause significant damage, create difficulties for civilians, and disrupt regional stability. But first, let's explore how prepared the US military was for the past two attacks on Israel, and the measures they've taken this time to protect Israel from Iran and its allies.
During the October-November 2023 attack on Israel, the US military's positioning...
US Navy...
In October, 22 to 25 warships were stationed around Israel. By November, this number increased to 30-35.
US Air Force...
The US had a significant presence of F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft in the Middle East at the time, along with over 60 C-17 and C-5 transport planes.
Carrier Strike Group...
Five combat ships from the Ford Carrier Strike Group were deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, and Central Command later sent four additional warships.
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Amphibious Ready Group...
The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group's three combat ships and the 26th MEU were stationed in the Red Sea.
Surface Ships...
10-12 destroyers were deployed, and later two additional cruiser warships were sent to join the Carrier Strike Group.
Command and Control Ships...
The USS Mount Whitney was stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the USS Hershel Williams was in the Mediterranean.
US Submarine Force...
The guided missile submarine USS Florida was deployed in the Red Sea.
Source: aajtak
Additionally, 1,200 extra troops, THAAD, and Avenger Surface-to-Air Missile batteries, along with Patriot missiles, were deployed. Four ammunition and cargo ships, two oilers, and one fast combat ship were also stationed.
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In April 2024, how much military did the US deploy for Israel...
US Navy...
20 to 25 warships were deployed without any increase.
US Air Force...
An additional squadron of F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets was deployed under Central Command.
Carrier Strike Group...
Four ships from the Carrier Strike Group were deployed in the Red Sea and later shifted to the Persian Gulf.
Amphibious Ready Group...
There was no deployment of Amphibious Ready Groups.
Surface Ships...
Seven destroyer combat ships were deployed, with two in the Eastern Mediterranean, two in the Red Sea, and one for cruiser escort.
Command and Control Ships...
The USS Mount Whitney was stationed in the Mediterranean, and the USS Lewis B. Puller in the Gulf.
US Submarine Force...
No submarines were deployed.
Source: aajtak
Embassy staff movement was restricted, and additional air defense systems were deployed. Two oilers and two cargo and ammunition ships were also stationed.
August 2024... Now, let’s look at America’s preparations this time around...
US Navy...
23 to 25 warships were already deployed, raised to 25-30.
US Air Force...
An additional squadron of F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets was deployed, along with F-18 squadrons, C-17, and other key airlift components.
Carrier Strike Group...
Three combat ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group were deployed in the Gulf of Oman, and four combat ships from the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group were sent to the Mediterranean to relieve Roosevelt.
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Amphibious Ready Group...
Three Wasp Amphibious warships and the 24th MEU are stationed near Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Surface Ships...
Eight destroyers are deployed, with three in the Eastern Mediterranean and one in the Red Sea. No cruiser ships are deployed this time.
Command and Control Ships...
The USS Mount Whitney is stationed near Gaeta, Italy, and the USS Lewis B. Puller is deployed in the Persian Gulf.
US Submarine Force...
The guided missile submarine USS Georgia was sent to the Mediterranean.
Source: aajtak
Additionally, the MV Ocean Trader ship was spotted near Bahrain. Land-attack ballistic missiles have been deployed. Two carrier strike groups from the Indo-Pacific region were sent to the Mediterranean, along with three cargo and ammunition ships, two oilers, and one fast combat ship.
