In response to an imminent Iranian attack on Israel, the U.S. is strengthening its deterrence capabilities by deploying the cruise missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East

Por

13 August, 2024

As indications of a large-scale Iranian attack on Israel become increasingly apparent, the Pentagon confirmed in a recent press conference that the U.S. is bolstering its military presence in the Middle East. In addition to the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the area and the recent arrival of stealth F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy has also deployed the Ohio-class cruise missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN-729).

The recent Israeli strike on Tehran, which targeted and eliminated the head of the terrorist organization HAMAS, Ismail Haniyeh, has led the Iranian regime to prepare for a potentially large-scale response, which could extend beyond the use of drones and ballistic missiles as seen in previous instances. This assessment, shared by various specialists and analysts, is also recognized by the Israel Defense Forces, which are also preparing for a major attack.

As the situation deteriorates hourly, the U.S. government has been strengthening its military presence in the Middle East over the past few days. U.S. assets in the region now include F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force, and the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, with its embarked aircraft and escort destroyers, has been ordered to expedite its transit to the operational area.

In line with this order, the Pentagon also confirmed the deployment of the USS Georgia (SSGN-729), an Ohio-class cruise missile submarine, to enhance deterrence capabilities against the Iranian regime and its operational terrorist organizations, as well as allied groups like the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Brigadier General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, acknowledged the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East during a press conference, which has necessitated a realignment of forces and deployments.

“These adjustments in the U.S. military posture are designed to enhance the protection of U.S. forces, increase support for Israel’s defense, and ensure that the U.S. is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” Ryder emphasized. He added: “We recognize the tensions in the region. We are doing everything we can to deter aggression, prevent conflict, and avoid a wider war while ensuring that we have the capabilities in the region to protect our own forces and also defend Israel, should it be attacked.”

The USS Georgia (SSGN-729) was originally a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine of the Ohio class. In the mid-2000s, it underwent conversion and modifications to become a Tomahawk cruise missile launch platform, with advanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities and the capacity to host up to 66 Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel.

Additionally, the facilities related to the control of SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles) were reconfigured to include a Common Submarine Radio Room (CSRR), and two high-speed data antennas were installed, significantly enhancing the submarine’s communication capabilities. These upgrades allow each of the four submarines to function as an Advanced Joint Combat Command Center for the embarked Special Forces.