The US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was in the northern Aegean Sea this week, in part to ensure it can conduct flight operations from there if tensions rise in the region over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to an official. from the United States familiar with the country.
The official did not disclose the ship’s exact location, but noted that it is not routine to operate in the northernmost waters of the Aegean Sea.
The area is relatively confined to shipping operations due to the number of small islands and heavy commercial maritime traffic.
“In the event of further escalation,” the Navy could be instructed to design more fighter air patrols in the Black Sea, the official said.
“If Russia sought to manage the Turkish Strait and Turkey asked for NATO support, the carrier aircraft could be used for combat air patrols over the Black Sea and the Dardanelles Strait,” according to the official.
Turkey administers the right of way for the transit of warships through the Black Sea, and there is concern about Russia’s future plans there.
US fighter jets often conduct air patrols for deterrence, and that doesn’t necessarily mean the US is getting into conflict.
Truman fighter jets are currently flying over Romania as part of NATO’s mission to demonstrate presence and resolve against Russian aggression.
The carrier is accompanied by the cruiser USS San Jacinto in the northern Aegean. Five other US warships and a Norwegian surface fighter are further south in the Aegean Sea.
This development comes as the Pentagon also recognizes that it may have to reconsider and increase the long-term US military presence in Europe following Russia’s aggression.
Source: CNN Brasil
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