US expected to send carrier to the Middle East as early as this week
(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - The US Navy is expected to send an aircraft carrier to the Middle East to help protect US forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan.
According to two US defense officials, the USS Ronald Reagan will begin making its way there in the next several days with its airwing of fighter jets.
The officials say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin could sign the orders as soon as this week.
The Reagan would replace the USS Dwight D Eisenhower on a regular rotation. Still to be decided is the configuration of how many cruisers and destroyers might accompany the Reagan.
The currently scheduled withdraw deadline for US troops is September 11th.
