ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2019) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Atlantic Ocean during a photo exercise to conclude Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) as part of the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaleb J. Sarten)
Austin has extended the mission of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is already in the Middle East, and two bombers have already arrived in the region.
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered long-range bombers and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to help provide security for U.S. troops as they withdraw from Afghanistan, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Friday.
Austin has extended the mission of the Eisenhower, which is already in the Middle East, Kirby told reporters, and two B-52 bombers have already arrived in the region.
NBC News reported Thursday that two senior Defense officials said U.S. commanders had asked for the deployment of a carrier to help protect troops as they withdraw.
With fighter squadrons at the ready, a aircraft carrier in the region would provide additional cover in case U.S. and other NATO forces come under fire as they depart by a Sept. 11 deadline set by President Joe Biden.
The request underscores concerns at the Pentagon that the Taliban may launch attacks on the troops as they pull out.
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WNU Editor: When the Soviet Union left Afghanistan in the late 1980s, the last few months were hell for Soviet soldiers stationed there. It looks like the Pentagon is worried that the same fate may fall on U.S. soldiers in the coming months.
