NORFOLK, Va. — Sailors with the Norfolk-based USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group have arrived in the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command.
U.S. officials said the move from the Mediterranean was planned before the fall of the al-Assad regime in Syria, as it is the area where much of the conflict between Hamas, Israel, and Houthi rebels has taken place this year. Defense officials say the carrier strike group is there to ensure regional stability and security.
The aircraft carrier is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and deployed in September. The Truman replaces USS Abraham Lincoln, which left the region last month.