“Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the US had deployed a third aircraft carrier, the USS George HW Bush, to join two carrier groups already in the region – the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, and the USS Gerald Ford, which is currently undergoing maintenance and repairs in Croatia.”

“A Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is the aircraft carrier plus its escort ships and support units that act as a floating base.”

“As of April 1, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the only carrier currently launching daily combat sorties against Iranian targets. The USS George HW Bush is currently in transit and is expected to eventually replace the Ford, which has been on an extended deployment in the Mediterranean.”

“An Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) acts as a mini aircraft carrier and carries US Marines and equipment for landing operations.”

“The USS Tripoli ARG is currently active and stationed, having arrived in the Middle East on March 27, while the USS Boxer ARG is en route and expected to arrive in mid-April.”

“A Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a self-contained, rapid-response force typically consisting of 2,200 to 2,500 personnel from the United States Marine Corps, capable of conducting sea-based combat and humanitarian missions.”

“On Friday, US Central Command confirmed that 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) had arrived in Middle Eastern waters after being ordered to depart Sasebo, Japan, where they are normally stationed, on March 13.”