US deploys third carrier and rare spy plane to Middle East USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) heads west from South China waters toward the Straits of Malacca. He leads CSG-9, including the cruiser USS Chosin and F-35C/F/A-18E/F aircraft. Arrival would give the US three carrier groups in the region alongside the USS George Washington and the USS George H.W. Bush, though it may replace one. In addition, an RC-135U Combat Sent reconnaissance aircraft was deployed. Only two exist, based at Offutt AFB. This platform specializes in detailed analysis of enemy radar signatures, unlike the wider RC-135V/W models. His presence indicates increased intelligence gathering on Iranian air defense systems. The data collected will support electronic warfare planning and potential air operations against Iran's AD networks.

US deploys third carrier and rare spy plane to Middle East USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) heads west from South China waters toward the Straits of Malacca. He leads CSG-9, including the cruiser USS Chosin and F-35C/F/A-18E/F aircraft. Arrival would give the US three carrier groups in the region alongside the USS George Washington and the USS George H.W. Bush, though it may replace one. In addition, an RC-135U Combat Sent reconnaissance aircraft was deployed. Only two exist, based at Offutt AFB. This platform specializes in detailed analysis of enemy radar signatures, unlike the wider RC-135V/W models. His presence indicates increased intelligence gathering on Iranian air defense systems. The data collected will support electronic warfare planning and potential air operations against Iran's AD networks.