U.S. Navy Positions Five Guided-Missile Destroyers in the Mediterranean

WASHINGTON — The United States Navy has deployed five guided-missile destroyers equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities to the Mediterranean Sea, escalating its military posture as Iran intensifies retaliatory missile strikes against Israel, according to U.S. defense officials. The move comes in response to heightened regional tensions following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting fears of a broader conflict.

The destroyers, identified as USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117), USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116), and USS The Sullivans (DDG-68), are positioned to intercept ballistic missiles using Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors, a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. This deployment marks a significant increase from the initial two destroyers stationed off Israel’s coast, reflecting the Pentagon’s commitment to supporting Israel’s defense against Iran’s missile barrages.

According to a report by USNI News, the repositioning of these warships coincides with Iran’s launch of over 370 ballistic missiles targeting Israel since June 13, 2025, in retaliation for Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which aimed to degrade Tehran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure. The operation, initiated after Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military leaders, has led to a series of tit-for-tat attacks with Iran claiming its missile strikes are a “legal and legitimate response” to Israeli aggression.

A U.S. defense official, speaking anonymously to Business Insider, confirmed that USS Arleigh Burke and USS The Sullivans recently launched missile interceptors to defend Israel, though the success of these intercepts remains unverified. The official also noted that land-based systems, such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), have supported these efforts, complementing Israel’s Arrow missile defense system.

The Associated Press reported that the USS Thomas Hudner was redirected from the western Mediterranean to the eastern Mediterranean earlier this week, with a second unnamed destroyer ordered to move closer to the region. This strategic shift underscores the U.S. commitment to protecting its ally, Israel, and safeguarding American forces in the Middle East. The AP also highlighted that U.S. President Donald Trump met with his National Security Council to discuss options, signaling the gravity of the situation.

Reuters, in its analysis of the conflict, noted that Israel’s strikes have destroyed approximately one-third of Iran’s missile launchers, significantly depleting Tehran’s long-range missile stockpile. Despite this, Iran retains the capability to launch devastating attacks, with some missiles penetrating Israel’s defenses and striking cities like Tel Aviv. Reuters further reported that the U.S. has distanced itself from Israel’s offensive operations, limiting its role to defensive support, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The deployment of additional destroyers follows a pattern of U.S. naval support for Israel, with similar actions taken in April and October 2024, when USS Bulkeley and USS Cole fired interceptors to counter Iranian missile attacks. The Pentagon has emphasized that these measures are part of a broader effort to maintain regional stability and deter further escalation.

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