Carrier Nimitz Moved to the Red Sea

September 3, 2013 9:48 AM - Updated: September 13, 2013 11:29 AM
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits the Arabian Sea on Aug 29, 2013. US Navy Photo
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits the Arabian Sea on Aug 29, 2013. US Navy Photo

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), its escort of three Arleigh Burke guided missile destroyers and one Ticonderoga guided missile cruiser have been tasked to the Red Sea ahead of an expected U.S. strike on Syria, several news services reported on Monday.

USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-100), USS Stockdale (DDG-106), USS Shoup (DDG-86) and USS Princeton (CG-59), along with Nimitz, puts “that strike group in a position to respond to a variety of contingencies,” said a U.S. defense official was quoted by Reuters.

The Nimitz strike group was scheduled to return to its homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. after a U.S Central Command deployment but was ordered to linger in the region after being relieved by USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).

On Saturday U.S. President Barack Obama said the U.S. would delay a limited strike on Syria until Congress was able to cast a vote for military action.

Currently five U.S. guided missile destroyers and amphibious warship USS San Antonio (LPD-17) are in the Eastern Mediterranean in advance of the planned U.S. strike.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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