America and our allies must keep the sea lanes open for the good of all people

Diogenes

Diogenes

Nemo me impune lacessit
Contributor
By diplomacy if we can, and by force if we must.

Think about the issues we have experienced with maritime chokepoints over the last five years.

2021: Ever Given shut down the Suez Canal for 6 days.
2022: Russia invades Ukraine and disrupts the Turkish Strait.
2023-24: Panama Canal lower water restricts traffic
2023- Present: Bab el-Mandeb constrained due to the Houthis
Present: Strait of Hormuz


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Hawkeye10 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2033324261851455497
View: https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2033324261851455497
Click to expand...


No, the US Navy has not "fled" the Middle East. This claim, originating from a March 15, 2026 X post by @FurkanGozukara and echoed in a clip from George Galloway's MOATS show, appears to be an exaggeration or part of anti-US commentary amid ongoing regional conflicts. Galloway specifically alleged that no US warships are within 700 km of the "theater," with the USS Abraham Lincoln having "left" and the USS Gerald R. Ford "limping" home after a "suspicious" laundry fire, suggesting vulnerability and retreat.However, multiple reliable sources contradict this:
  • As of mid-March 2026, the US has conducted its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, including two carrier strike groups led by the USS Abraham Lincoln (deployed since late January) and USS Gerald R. Ford (which joined in February). This includes at least 16 warships, additional destroyers, cruisers, amphibious assault ships like the USS Tripoli with 2,500 Marines, and extensive air assets.

    Official US Navy updates confirm ongoing operations in the region. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the 5th Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, report active maritime security missions across the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and surrounding areas. Recent activities include a non-combat-related fire on the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12 (contained with no impact on operations), joint exercises with Saudi forces in February, and drills in Bahrain as late as January. There's no indication of withdrawal or damage forcing a retreat.
 
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