USS Theodore Roosevelt deploys to Middle East amid Iran war

The USS Theodore Roosevelt has departed San Diego for a deployment to the Middle East expected to last at least seven to eight months. The aircraft carrier is slated to relieve the USS George Washington as the U.S. Navy maintains its regional presence during the ongoing war with Iran.

The Roosevelt becomes the fifth U.S. aircraft carrier committed to operations related to the conflict since it began seven months ago. Other carriers involved in the regional operations include the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H. W. Bush, and the USS George Washington.

The deployment follows a September 14 Iranian cruise missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz that targeted an unidentified vessel. The attack resulted in injuries to eight Marines, who reportedly suffered smoke inhalation and potential traumatic brain injuries. While CENTCOM reports the strait remains open, U.S. forces continue to enforce a blockade and facilitate crude oil movements in the area.