🇺🇸 US Deploys Third Carrier and Rare Spy Plane to Middle East The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) is heading west from the South China Sea towards the Malacca Strait. It leads CSG-9, including cruiser USS Chosin and F-35C/F/A-18E/F jets. Arrival would give the US three carrier groups in the region alongside USS George Washington and USS George H.W. Bush, though it may replace one. Additionally, an RC-135U Combat Sent reconnaissance aircraft has been deployed. Only two exist, based at Offutt AFB. This platform specializes in detailed analysis of enemy radar signatures, unlike broader RC-135V/W models. Its presence suggests intensified intelligence gathering on Iranian air defence systems. Data collected will support electronic warfare planning and potential air operations against Iran's AD networks. @Slavyangrad