In addition to threats from Russia, the United States is facing challenges in maintaining the safety of the Red Sea, one of the world's most crucial shipping lanes. Recent developments have shown that Iranian-backed Houthi rebels pose a constant threat to this vital route. Journalists were granted exclusive access to a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group operating in the Southern Red Sea, which has been at the forefront of the fight against the Houthi insurgents for over two months.
U.S. warships in the region frequently intercept Houthi missiles aimed at them. The crews must act swiftly to defend against the threat. The sailors have only seconds or minutes to respond to the incoming missiles. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier was deployed to the Red Sea in November 2021, in response to the Houthi attacks. Since then, it has been operating at an intense pace to counter the continual threat.
The Houthi rebels have exhibited various tactics to target coalition forces, including the U.S. military. Swarm attacks involving multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), anti-ship ballistic missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles have been among their strategies. Despite these challenges, the U.S. Navy remains prepared for any eventuality.
Fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier are launched around 50 times per day. These jets stay airborne for hours, engaging targets both within Yemen and in the Red Sea region. However, the nature of the mission is incredibly risky, as highlighted by a recent incident when an alarm was triggered by a Houthi drone flying over the Red Sea. Although the drone was ultimately deemed no longer a threat, it underscores the inherent dangers faced by the U.S. Navy.
The Houthi rebels have also attempted to target U.S. aircraft flying over Yemen using surface-to-air missiles. The unique and challenging aspect of these near-daily missions for the U.S. military is the unpredictability and ever-present danger they face.
U.S. officials acknowledge that it is uncertain how much weaponry the Houthi rebels still possess, especially considering ongoing support from Iran. The sustained airstrikes by the U.S. military have not provided a clear estimation of the rebels' remaining capabilities. The length of the U.S. presence in the Red Sea will depend on the extent of the Houthi forces and their ability to continue receiving supplies from Iran.
The determination to secure the Red Sea and protect vital shipping lanes means that the U.S. is committed to staying in the region for as long as it takes. The carrier strike group has made extensive logistic arrangements to sustain an extended presence.
The ongoing campaign and deployment in the Red Sea have posed challenges for the U.S. sailors and pilots involved, as they have operated relentlessly for the past four months. The level of weaponry remaining within Houthi rebel stockpiles will play a significant role in determining the duration of the U.S. campaign in the region.
