US sends amphibious assault ships USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall to the Persian Gulf to back up F-35, F-16, A-10 aircraft and destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to effectively deter Iran

This week, CENTCOM announced the deployment of additional forces to the Persian Gulf region. On the official website of the US Department of Defence there was a statement about the dispatch of warships to strengthen maritime security.

Here's What We Know

Until recently, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft operated in the region. A few weeks ago they were joined by F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, one of which has a record of three J-21s shot down in one battle. This happened in 1994 during Operation Deny Flight.

The US has also sent fifth-generation F-35 Lighting II fighter jets and the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) destroyer to the Persian Gulf. This was announced a few days ago by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh.

A new press release from the US Department of Defence says the landing ships USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall will be sent to back up the destroyers and aircraft. They have the flight numbers LHD-5 and LSD-50, respectively.

USS Bataan (pictured above) is a Wasp-class ship. It has received two launchers each for the RIM-116 RAM and RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile and two Phalanx CIWS artillery systems. It can carry AV-8B Harrier II and F-35B Lighting II aircraft, AH-1W/Z, UH-1Y, SH-60F/HH-60H and CH-53E helicopters, and MV-22B Osprey convertible aircraft.

USS Carter Hall (pictured above) is a Harpers Ferry class warship. It can transport M1 Abrams tanks and AAV-7 tracked amphibious assault vehicles. On board are two Mk 38 25mm cannons, six M2HB machine guns, two Phalanx CIWS artillery systems and two RIM-116 RAM missile launchers.

Source: Pentagon