U.S. Navy Destroyers Intercept Iranian Missiles Aimed at Israel in Eastern Mediterranean Defense Operation

U.S. Navy destroyer USS Bulkeley intercepts Iranian missiles in Eastern Mediterranean defense operation.

In a high-stakes defense operation, two U.S. guided-missile destroyers successfully intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Israel. The Pentagon confirmed the operation on Wednesday, highlighting the role of the USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) and USS Cole (DDG-67) in the defense effort.

On Tuesday, the two destroyers, independently deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, launched approximately a dozen interceptors, including the Standard Missile 3, against the incoming Iranian missiles. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed that Iran had launched around 200 ballistic missiles, although details on whether drones or cruise missiles were involved remain unclear.

U.S. Navy destroyer USS Bulkeley intercepts Iranian missiles in Eastern Mediterranean defense operation.
USS Bulkeley and USS Cole intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israel during heightened Middle East tensions.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti refrained from revealing specifics about the operation but emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Israel’s defense efforts. “Our ships are strategically positioned to respond to such attacks,” Adm. Franchetti stated. She assured that the U.S. Navy remains prepared for any further military action in the Middle East.

U.S. Navy destroyer USS Bulkeley intercepts Iranian missiles in Eastern Mediterranean defense operation.

This operation highlights the ongoing presence of U.S. naval forces in the region. As of Wednesday, the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet and is en route to the Eastern Mediterranean. The carrier, which departed from Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on September 23rd, is expected to arrive later this week, reinforcing U.S. military presence in the area.

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The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), based on the West Coast, is currently operating in the Gulf of Oman, ensuring continuous U.S. presence operations in the region. Additionally, the three-ship Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard, is positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, prepared for a potential non-combatant evacuation from Lebanon.

This heightened military activity comes amid rising tensions following the Hamas attacks on southern Israel in October, with U.S. carriers maintaining a near-constant presence in the region under the direction of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

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