The United States is “strengthening” its capabilities in the Middle East by sending another guided missile submarine to the region “in light of escalating regional tensions,” according to a statement from Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Sunday.
The update comes on the same day Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“Secretary Austin reiterated the commitment of the United States to take every possible step to defend Israel,” according to the statement.
Secretary Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighter jets, to expedite its transit to the Middle East, which was previously expected to arrive there by the end of the month.
The Lincoln was already on its way to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, but will now expand the capabilities of the Roosevelt
Additionally, Austin has ordered the guided missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East.
The statement did not say how soon Lincoln or the USS Georgia will arrive in the region.
-ABC News Anne Flaherty