The USS Bush aircraft carrier strike group sets sail; the U.S. military may deploy a third aircraft carrier in the Middle East.

The U.S. Navy announced on March 31 that the aircraft carrier strike group of the “George H. W. Bush” departed from Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on the U.S. East Coast to carry out deployment missions. Although the U.S. Navy did not disclose the destination of the deployment, American media reported that the carrier strike group would be deployed to the Middle East to participate in U.S. military actions against Iran. The U.S. Navy said that, in addition to the flagship “Nimitz”-class aircraft carrier “Bush,” there are three “Arleigh Burke”-class destroyers in the strike group. The Wall Street Journal, citing several U.S. officials, reported that the “Bush” carrier strike group will be deployed to the Middle East, forming a “three-carrier” deployment with the “Lincoln” and “Ford” carrier strike groups in the foreseeable future. However, it may take several weeks for the “Bush” to reach its destination. According to the U.S. “Military Times” website, the “Bush” carrier strike group consists of over 5,000 personnel. Since the “Ford” aircraft carrier is currently undergoing maintenance at a port in Croatia, the “Bush” is expected to fill the gap for a two-carrier operation. U.S. media pointed out that although President Trump claims to be negotiating with Iran, he has also been considering various military measures that could escalate the conflict. ( Xinhua News Agency )