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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
