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The U.S. Navy is sending the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the growing clash between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants, whose surprise attack Saturday from the Gaza enclave has resulted in the death or capture of hundreds of civilians.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said sending the Ford carrier strike group, which also includes the USS Normandy guided missile cruiser and four destroyers, is one of several steps being undertaken to strengthen U.S. military assets in the region as President Biden has vowed to strongly support Israeli forces battling the Iran-backed Hamas fighters.
“Strengthening our joint force posture, in addition to the material support that we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the United States’ ironclad support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people,” Mr. Austin said Sunday in a statement.
The Defense Department also will send F-35; F-15; F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons to the region.
“The United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions,” Mr. Austin said. “The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days.”
SEE ALSO: Israel declares war; Iran-backed Hezbollah joins Hamas in the fight
The USS Gerald R. Ford strike group is currently deployed to the European area of operations. Last week, it completed several training exercises with Italian naval forces, officials said.
“My team and I will continue to be in close contact with our Israeli counterparts to ensure they have what they need to protect their citizens and defend themselves against these heinous terrorist attacks,” Mr. Austin said.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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