US sends third carrier strike group to Middle East in biggest buildup since 2003

The United States has deployed a third carrier strike group to the Middle East, marking the largest regional military buildup since 2003. The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed from San Diego on Sunday to join the mission, accompanied by a Marine expeditionary unit consisting of over 2,000 personnel.

This deployment increases the total potential United States military presence in the region to more than 60,000 troops. The move represents a significant expansion of American naval and expeditionary capabilities in the area.