The John C. Stennis and Abraham Lincoln carrier strike
groups have joined the US Mediterranean 6th Fleet for the first time in more
than two years. This was announced on Monday, April 22, by the 6th Fleet
commander, Vice Adm Lisa Franchetti. DEBKAfile’s military sources add that this unusual concentration of US
naval and air might in the region is intended to convey a warning to Iran
against striking back at the US or its allies in the region in retribution for
tightened Trump administration sanctions on its oil experts. This level of
concentrated strength is capable of countering any Iranian attempt to interfere
with the oil tanker shipping plying routes to market from the Gulf through the
Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea. See DEBKAfile’s earlier
special report.
Vice Admiral Franchetti commented that it was a rare opportunity for two strike groups to work together alongside key allies and partners in the region. Our sources say she was referring to British, French and Israeli naval forces. The vice admiral, who has served as 6th Fleet commander since early 2018, added: “The dual carrier operations in the Mediterranean showcase the flexibility and scalability maritime forces provide to the joint force, while demonstrating our ironclad commitment to the stability and security of the region.”