USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier exits Middle East after mission completion

U.S. officials have confirmed that the “USS Theodore Roosevelt” aircraft carrier strike group has departed the Middle East following the completion of its mission in the region.

For years, U.S. military commanders in the Middle East have emphasized that the presence of aircraft carriers, along with their escorting warships, serves as a key deterrent, particularly against Iran.

Since October 7, 2023, the U.S. has maintained a continuous aircraft carrier presence in the Middle East, with periods where two carriers were deployed simultaneously.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, U.S. officials stated that both the “USS Theodore Roosevelt” and the destroyer “USS Daniel Inouye” have left the region.

Earlier this year, the “USS Dwight D. Eisenhower” aircraft carrier remained in the Red Sea for several months, supporting Israel and protecting commercial and military vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, before departing the area in June.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) previously announced that the “USS Abraham Lincoln” carrier arrived in the Middle East on August 22.