Washington: The US military has announced the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to the Middle East, bringing the total number of American carriers operating in the region to three. The move marks a major show of force as the region navigates a fragile truce following weeks of conflict.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the USS George H.W. Bush was operating in the Indian Ocean within its area of responsibility as of April 23. The carrier is equipped with a fleet of warplanes and is part of a broader naval deployment strategy in the region.

The newly arrived carrier joins the USS Gerald Ford, currently operating in the Red Sea, and the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is also deployed in the region. Each aircraft carrier is accompanied by its own strike group, significantly enhancing the United States’ operational capabilities and readiness.

The deployment comes amid a truce that has held for more than two weeks, pausing US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28. While the ceasefire has eased immediate hostilities, the increased military presence signals continued caution and preparedness.

The USS Gerald Ford had recently sailed to Croatia for maintenance after a fire broke out onboard on March 12. The carrier has since returned to operations, following a lengthy deployment of nearly ten months. During that period, it participated in multiple missions, including operations in the Caribbean targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels and intercepting sanctioned oil tankers.

The Ford was also involved in a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, further underscoring its operational history across multiple regions.