The U.S. military is rapidly expanding its footprint in the Middle East, moving additional fighter aircraft, ships, air defense, and support assets into the region.
- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in the Indian Ocean and will soon enter the U.S. 5th Fleet/Central Command AOR
- Three F-15E Strike Eagle squadrons now forward deployed
- Increased KC-135 and C-17 flights supporting the buildup
- Patriot and THAAD air defense systems reportedly en route
Snapshot ahead of Abe’s arrival in theater:
