Ahead of a possible crisis with Iran, U.S. President Biden is sending off assault ships the USS Bataan and the USS Carter Hall along with part of the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU). The two ships will accompany the USS Thomas Hudner warplane and guided missile destroyer, which was announced for deployment a few days ago. An F-35 and F-16 fighter jets are also accompanying them, as well as some 2,400 Marines.
Iran has been targeting and been in pursuit to seize commercial ships. Described as its “finest amphibious assault ship,” by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corp, the Bataan is intended to “transport Marine personnel, landing craft, vehicles, and cargo, and land them ashore using landing craft and helicopters in support of military and humanitarian assistance operations.” The purpose of the mission, according to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is to avert Iranian interference of other ships or tankers in or near their territorial waters in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Chief General Michael Kurilla of CENTCOM says, “These additional forces provide unique capabilities to further safeguard the free flow of international commerce and uphold the rules – based international order, and deter Iranian destabilizing activities in the region.”
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