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Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III
Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III, Following lengthy conversations with President Biden about recent escalation by Iran and its proxy forces throughout the Middle East area, I authorised a number of additional actions today to further enhance the Department of Defence posture in the region. These actions will strengthen regional deterrent measures, provide force protection for US soldiers in the region, and aid in Israel’s defence.
First, I shifted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group’s manoeuvre to the Central Command area of responsibility. This carrier strike group joins the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is presently deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It will boost our skills and ability to respond to a variety of scenarios, as well as increase our force posture.
I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces.
Finally, as part of sensible contingency preparation, I have placed an increased number of forces on ready to deploy instructions to boost their readiness and ability to respond rapidly as needed. I will continue to examine our regional force posture requirements and consider deploying additional assets as needed.