The USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group has been redeployed to the Indo-Pacific area of operations following the completion of its mission in U.S. Central Command, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced today. Despite the redeployment, the United States still maintains a formidable military presence in the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, destroyers, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, and F-22 Raptor aircraft, Ryder added.
“We remain intensely focused on working with regional partners to de-escalate tensions and deter a wider regional conflict following Hamas’ vicious October 7 attacks,” Ryder said. The United States is also focused on securing a cease-fire as part of efforts to bring hostages home and end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
On the topic of Ukraine, Ryder reiterated that U.S. policy regarding the use of long-range weapons remains unchanged. “We are very focused on ensuring that Ukraine has what it needs to preserve its sovereignty and take back occupied territory,” Ryder stated, emphasizing that the U.S. wants Ukraine to enter future negotiations with as strong a position as possible.
Ryder emphasized that there is no single weapon or system that will decisively alter the course of the war. Instead, he highlighted the importance of Ukraine utilizing a combination of resources to steadily advance toward success, ensuring the country has the upper hand when the time comes to negotiate.–News Desk