US shifts to air power strategy in Middle East, USS Lincoln departs
The Pentagon is reshaping its military presence in the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier set to leave the region. For the first time since the onset of the Gaza war, the U.S. won’t have an aircraft carrier in the area.
Defense officials, however, stress this change doesn’t signal a reduction in America’s ability to respond to threats. Instead, the U.S. is leaning on air power to maintain its readiness.
B-52 bombers, known for their long-range strike capabilities, and additional fighter squadrons are being deployed across the region. Naval destroyers and other assets will also remain in place to provide flexibility and rapid response capabilities.
Pentagon officials state this configuration offers deterrence and readiness comparable to an aircraft carrier group, though through a different approach.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasized the new deployments provide a “significant amount of capability on par with what we’ve been doing in the Middle East.”
The shift comes amid mounting global pressures, as U.S. forces balance ongoing support for Ukraine, rising tensions in the South China Sea and operations in the Red Sea.
Recent months have stretched resources thin, with U.S. forces intercepting missiles and drones launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants and supporting allies like Israel.
Defense officials cite efficiency as a key driver behind the shift. Bombers and fighter jets, paired with advanced surveillance systems, offer robust air power without overextending resources. This adaptation is part of the Pentagon’s broader strategy to manage multiple global security challenges simultaneously.
The departure of the Lincoln marks a significant moment in U.S. strategy. The ship had been stationed in the region to help deter threats from Iran and its proxies. The carrier’s presence has been pivotal in reinforcing security and projecting strength during a volatile time in the Middle East.
Still, officials argue that bombers and land-based fighters, supported by naval destroyers, can effectively maintain the U.S. deterrence mission. They highlight the flexibility of air power in addressing threats ranging from maritime instability to regional conflict.
This recalibration reflects a strategic balancing act as the Pentagon juggles global demands. By reallocating resources, the U.S. aims to sustain its commitments in the Middle East while remaining prepared for challenges elsewhere.
USNS Big Horn grounding highlights need for naval upgrade
The USNS Big Horn, a critical U.S. Navy oil tanker, reportedly ran aground off Oman’s coast Tuesday, Sept. 24, impacting operations for the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. The incident occurred while the Big Horn was engaged in regional security efforts, and the Navy is investigating with no official cause yet determined.
The ship was operating within the US 5th Fleet area. Investigators are considering possibilities such as running aground in shallow water or hitting an underwater object. A mine strike is deemed unlikely.
The Middle East is a critical region for global security, and the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet plays a vital role in maintaining maritime security and navigation freedom. Partnering with regional allies, the 5th Fleet prevents illegal activities and ensures the free flow of commerce.
According to Washington, putting the Abraham Lincoln CSG in the area deters Iranian aggression and shows U.S. commitment to supporting key allies like Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The region’s strategic importance stems from critical chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. Ensuring safe passage for ships transiting these waters is essential for economic stability.
No injuries or environmental damage were reported after the Big Horn incident. However, it highlights the U.S. military’s ongoing challenge with tanker shortages. The Department of Defense struggles to meet operational fuel demands with fewer than 20 tankers available.
Efforts are underway to secure a commercial oil tanker to supply jet fuel to the USS Abraham Lincoln. Long-term plans include replacing older single-hull oilers like the Big Horn with newer, double-hull John Lewis-class oilers, though the rollout is slower than planned.
Second US Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East amid Iran threat
A second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, Aug. 21, joining the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has been stationed in the region since mid-July. The U.S. military’s Central Command shared video of F-35 jets taking off from the Lincoln’s deck, highlighting the heightened military presence in response to rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Lincoln to the region earlier this month, along with the guided missile submarine USS Georgia, to bolster U.S. forces amid fears of a potential Iranian attack on Israel.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the movements are “for ensuring that we have the forces in theater to respond to something if it happens now, but also ensuring we have forces in theater to be able to respond to whatever could be next in terms of potential escalation and trying to de-escalate the situation.”
The Lincoln and Georgia join other U.S. assets, including eight destroyers already in the region. This latest deployment follows back-to-back assassinations at the end of July, including the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Israel has not confirmed responsibility for the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has led to further threats of retaliation from Iran.
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Amid the military buildup, President Joe Biden stressed the importance of diplomacy during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging the conclusion of cease-fire and hostage release talks. The White House described the upcoming discussions in Cairo as “crucial” to stabilizing the region.
Gov. Walz accepts VP nomination, tells Democrats to ‘leave it on the field’
Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to address the Democratic National Convention (DNC) Thursday, Aug. 22 night, just hours after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accepted the party’s nomination for vice president. And former President Donald Trump appeared behind bulletproof glass in his first outdoor rally since his attempted assassination. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
Gov. Walz accepts VP nomination, tells Democrats to ‘leave it on the field’
Thursday, Aug. 22, is the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president during a primetime speech.
On Wednesday night, Aug. 21, her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, officially accepted the nod for vice president. During his keynote speech, Walz introduced himself to the American people with what he described as a “pep talk” like those he used to give during his time as a high school teacher and football coach.
“It’s the fourth quarter, we’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball,” he said of Harris’ campaign. “We’re driving down the field, and boy, do we have the right team…There’ll be time to sleep when you’re dead. We’re going to leave it on the field.”
In his address, Walz spoke of his record as Minnesota’s governor, comparing his policies to that of Republican-led states.
“Other states were banning books from their schools; we were banishing hunger from ours,” Walz said. “We also protected reproductive freedom, because in Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make. Even if we wouldn’t make those same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business.”
Before Walz took the stage Wednesday, some of the biggest A-listers and veteran party leaders gave speeches to rally up the base. Former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Oprah Winfrey were among those who addressed the crowd.
“Let us choose loyalty to the Constitution over loyalty to any individual because that’s the best of America,” Winfrey said. “And let us choose optimism over cynicism and let us include inclusion over retribution.”
Harris will close out the convention Thursday, Aug. 22 night, with the last night’s theme being “for our future.”
Meanwhile former President Donald Trump will visit the border in Arizona on Thursday. His running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, will campaign in Georgia.
Trump appears behind bulletproof glass for outdoor rally in North Carolina
On Wednesday, Aug, 21, former President Trump held his first outdoor rally since the assassination attempt on his life in July in Butler, Pennsylvania. The appearance came with an added layer of security.
A wall of bulletproof glass surrounded the podium as Trump and Vance addressed supporters in the battleground state of North Carolina. Their focus was on national security.
President Trump leaves the bulletproof glass protecting him to check on a supporter in the crowd who passed out.
At the same time, lawmakers continued their search into what went wrong on July 13 when Trump was shot in the ear during that assassination attempt. A bipartisan congressional task force met remotely with the FBI to discuss progress in the agency’s investigation.
RFK Jr. expected to drop out of 2024 race, endorse Trump
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to suspend his campaign by the end of the week. Kennedy is set to give a speech Friday, Aug. 23, on his “path forward” in the 2024 election during an event in Arizona.
This comes just days after his running mate said Kennedy has two options left: stay in the race or drop out and back former President Trump. It’s speculated Kennedy will announce his endorsement of Trump during the same speech on Friday — possibly in a joint appearance with the former president, who will also be campaigning in Arizona that day.
JD Vance has confirmed there’s been “a lot of communication back and forth” between the campaigns but nothing is set in stone.
5 bodies recovered after yacht sinks off coast of Sicily
2nd US Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Middle East amid Iran threat
A second U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, has arrived in the Middle East. It joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was stationed in the area after Iran threatened to attack Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on a top Hamas leader in Tehran on July 31.
The U.S. military’s Central Command shared video of F-35 jets taking off from the Lincoln’s deck on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), equipped with F-35C and F/A-18 Block III fighters, entered the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility.
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, is accompanied by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 and… pic.twitter.com/RKoJQshigR
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Lincoln, as well as the guided missile submarine the USS Georgia, to the region earlier this month as tensions remain high over an expected attack by Iran on Israel following the killings of top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. The Lincoln and Georgia add to the U.S. ships already in the area, including eight destroyers.
These military moves come as President Joe Biden stressed on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday the urgent need to conclude talks on a cease-fire and hostage release plan. The White House said the president pointed to the upcoming discussions in Cairo as “crucial.”
Taylor Swift breaks her silence on canceled Vienna shows
Taylor Swift has broken her silence following the foiled terrorist plot that resulted in the cancellation of her Eras tour shows in Vienna, Austria. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Aug. 21, Swift reflected on the end of the European leg of her tour.
She posted several images from various shows in Europe along with a caption which read in part, “Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating. The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives.”
Swift went on to say, “Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows. In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to. My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that.”
Swift added she was heartened by the love and unity she saw in her fans who banded together.
Biden designates national monument at site of 1908 race riot in Springfield
President Joe Biden signed a proclamation on Friday, Aug. 16, designating a national monument at the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, 116 years to the day of the tragedy. The proclamation dedicates more than 1.5 acres of public land for the monument.
During the ceremonial signing in the Oval Office, President Biden marked the historic violence that unfolded in former President Abraham Lincoln’s hometown on Aug. 16, 1908. During the riot, several Black residents were killed, and dozens of Black homes and businesses were destroyed by a white mob.
The events unfolded after two incidents. First, a Black man was accused of killing a white man. Tensions grew, when a month later, another Black man was accused of raping a white woman. The alleged rape victim later admitted that she lied about the rape to coverup an extramarital affair she was having with a white man.
The accusations would prompt thousands of rioters to rampage through Springfield in search of the two Black men who had been jailed. The attackers were eventually stopped by Illinois militiamen after they were ordered to intervene.
Outrage over the violence led to the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 2023, the group asked President Biden to recognize the two-acre site. This led to a National Park Service study of homes burned during the 1908 riot and other remaining structures from the attack.
Biden’s authority to designate the land comes from the 1906 Antiquities Act, which most recently has been used to create national monuments on public land. This is Biden’s second time using the act to preserve a site crucial to the Civil Rights Movement. Last year, he established the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument.
The president’s proclamation also comes six weeks after the deadly police shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, a Springfield resident.
“Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not,” Biden said in a statement. “Sonya’s family deserves justice.”
