The United States is relocating a nuclear submarine and hastening the deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has deployed the USS Georgia, an Ohio-class nuclear submarine equipped with non-nuclear Tomahawk cruise missiles, to the area as of Sunday.

This announcement is noteworthy as the U.S. Navy typically keeps the movements of its missile submarines confidential.

Additionally, Austin has directed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with its F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, be rapidly dispatched to the region.

There are concerns that Iran might be planning an attack on Israel following the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Tehran and Beirut.

Abraham Lincoln Strike Group to Replace Theodore Roosevelt Ships

On August 2, Austin confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group will take over responsibilities from the USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group in the area. He also ordered additional F-22 fighter jets, noted as the Air Force’s most advanced aircraft, to the region, as reported by YSL News.

The announcement followed a phone conversation between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during which Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel, according to the Pentagon.

Overview of USS Georgia

The USS Georgia is not the first U.S. nuclear submarine sent to the region; the USS Florida (SSGN-728), another Ohio-class submarine, was deployed to the Middle East in November 2023.

The Florida executed an unspecified number of Tomahawk missile strikes on Houthi locations in Yemen in January and later returned to its base in Kings Bay, Georgia, in July following a deployment lasting 727 days.

Composition of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group

Along with its namesake aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group includes fighter jets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Nine and three guided missile destroyers from the Arleigh Burke class:

• USS O’Kane (DDG 77)
• USS Spruance (DDG 111)
• USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121)

These destroyers are equipped with Aegis weapon systems, designed to integrate radar, sensors, and missiles for protection against air and surface threats.