What does the arrival of the USS Wasp in the Mediterranean Sea mean for US European and African Commands?
The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp transits the Strait of Gibraltar with an AH-1Z Viper and an MH-60S Sea Hawk. (Photo: US Navy)
The vessel is intended to boost the US deterrence in the region and de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
US European Command recently announced that the USS Wasp amphibious (LHD 1) assault ship entered the Mediterranean Sea. The arrival of the platform coincided with the growth in tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
The vessel and the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have been deployed to the US Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area to better support its operations by enabling ship-to-shore movement by helicopter and movement by landing craft.
“The purpose of the Wasp moving is really to promote regional stability and to be another deterrent in the region,” claimed Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Pentagon. “It allows
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Chinese maritime militia puts naval surveillance to the test]()
Chinese maritime militia puts naval surveillance to the test
With record deployments in the South China Sea and a newly reported sighting east of Taiwan, China’s maritime militia is putting greater pressure on regional surveillance. How can navies establish what these vessels are doing quickly and reliably enough to respond?
-
![Kongsberg Maritime and Thales UK team on Arctic Hunter Type 92 proposal]()
Kongsberg Maritime and Thales UK team on Arctic Hunter Type 92 proposal
The Norwegian company says a commercial hull, proven sonar and a British yard could deliver uncrewed submarine hunters by the end of the decade, but the Royal Navy has not yet set a requirement or timeline.
-
![US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine]()
US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine
NAVSEA is exploring AI-assisted design for a larger, stealthier submarine with increased weapons capacity and uncrewed-system integration, with lead-boat procurement envisaged from 2040.
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
