The US Navy’s Mission to Protect Merchant Ships in the Red Sea

The US Navy is on a relentless battle against Houthi attacks targeting not only merchant ships but also the carrier strike group protecting them in the Red Sea. Since November, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower has been under constant threat, facing anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) loaded with explosives. The tempo of operations has been unrelenting, with dozens of sorties flown round the clock. While the US has made efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, it remains extremely dangerous waters due to Houthi attacks. Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, the Carrier Strike Group commander, believes that strikes led by the US have degraded some of the Houthi’s military capabilities, but the support from Iran continues to pose a significant challenge. With the US aiming to deter Houthi attacks and protect global trade routes, the mission highlights the complexities and limitations of military intervention in conflicts around the world.