Nimitz Aircraft Carrier to the Middle East…”Strengthening Air Force Power in Preparation for Prolonged War”,
On February 1 (local time), a fighter jet takes off from the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, in the operational area of the US Central Command in the Middle East. This photo is provided by the US Africa Command. © Reuters=News1 © News1 Kim Ji-wan, Reporter,
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, ‘(Seoul=News1) Reporter Kim Ji-wan = With tensions escalating in the Middle East due to conflicts between Iran and Israel, the US has dispatched numerous refueling aircraft to Europe to increase its options in the region.’,
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, ‘According to Reuters, two US government officials stated on the 16th (local time) that the US, together with refueling aircraft, is sending the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to the Middle East. The Nimitz can carry 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft.’,
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, ‘One official explained that the movement of the Nimitz was pre-planned.’,
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, ‘Aircraft tracking website Aeronov Systems reported on the 15th that more than 31 US Air Force refueling aircraft, including the KC-135 and KC-46, took off from the US, landing at bases in Germany, the UK, Estonia, and Greece.’,
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, ‘Eric Schooten, CEO of Diamie Security Intelligence, a Dutch security and information consulting firm, analyzed, “The movement of around 20 US Air Force refueling aircraft to the east is unusual” and stated, “It is a signal that clearly shows strategic readiness.” He added, “Supporting Israel, preparing for long-range operations—whatever the purpose, logistics is key,” and said, “This movement shows that the US is positioning itself for a swift response if tensions with Iran spread elsewhere.”‘,
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, ‘US government officials did not specify how many refueling aircraft were moved. A third official refused to comment on the movement of refueling planes but emphasized that US military activities in the Middle East are defensive in nature.’,
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, ‘Another source stated that the US is preparing defenses in Middle Eastern countries and has informed them that it will shift to an offensive posture if Iran attacks US facilities.’,
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, ‘Reuters analyzed that this movement indicates the US is significantly strengthening its air force power in preparation for the prolongation of the war.\n’]