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By Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy's USS Carl Vinson, currently operating in the Pacific, to begin transiting to the Middle East amid escalating strikes on Yemen-based Houthi rebels, an official told the Associated Press.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon and U.S. Navy for comment. U.S. Central Command directed Newsweek to the Pentagon for inquiry.
Why It Matters
The United States has clashed with Ansar Allah, widely known as the Houthi movement, over control of shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked American and allied ships throughout the Israel-Hamas war, driving up freight and insurance costs and forcing some vessels to take long detours.
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President Donald Trump last ordered a "decisive and powerful" action against Houthi forces, hitting "bases, leaders, and missile defenses." The Houthis reported explosions in their territory, including in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and in the northern province of Saada, their stronghold near the Saudi border.
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What To Know
An official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing operations, said Hegseth signed orders Thursday to extend the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman in the region for at least another month. The carrier has been active in the Red Sea, targeting Houthi positions, and was originally scheduled to return to Norfolk, Virginia, at the end of March.
Additionally, Hegseth has directed the USS Carl Vinson, currently operating in the Pacific, to begin transiting to the Middle East. This move will extend its deployment by approximately three months.
This will mark the second time in six months that two carrier strike groups have been stationed in the region—an area that typically sees just one. Before this recent pattern, it had been years since the U.S. committed such a significant naval force to the Middle East.
The move will take assets away from the Indo-Pacific and bolster resources closer to Iran and its proxy forces. Trump lowered the authorities needed to launch offensive strikes against the Houthis, giving U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) the ability to take action when it deems appropriate.
The Houthis escalated strikes against the USS Harry S. Truman and affiliated warships with ballistic and cruise missiles this week. A Houthi spokesperson on Friday said: "The Red Sea is not part of the United States, and Yemen has the right to defend itself."
The group also fired rockets at Israel on Thursday after Israel renewed airstrikes on Gaza. There were no reports of Israeli casualties, and Israeli media reports said the U.S. urged Israel not to retaliate, saying they would respond instead.
What People Are Saying
Yemen's Houthi Military spokesperson Yahya Sarea: "The United States is mobilizing its forces to protect terrorism in the Middle East and is draining billions of dollars from American taxpayers to fight against the people in order to protect terrorism. The United States should leave the region and leave Israel alone. Israel is an enemy of Islam and Muslims."
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media: "Tremendous damage has been inflicted upon the Houthi barbarians, and watch how it will get progressively worse — It's not even a fair fight, and never will be. They will be completely annihilated!"
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told Newsweek: "Trump may find himself—as previous presidents have—essentially trapped in an unnecessary war that directly undermines his goal of reducing America's military footprint in the Middle East."
What Happens Next
The official said the USS Carl Vinson is expected to arrive in the region early April. The USS Harry S. Truman will remain three further months in the region.
This article contains reporting by the Associated Press.
Update, 3/21/25 at 2:50 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
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