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US deploys two carrier strike groups in Mediterranean, first time since 2016

US deploys two carrier strike groups in Mediterranean first time since
US deploys two carrier strike groups in Mediterranean, first time since 2016

2019-04-24 00:00:00 - Source: Baghdad Post

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.”





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