Additional Coverage:
- Carrier strike group commander who oversaw ‘unprecedented’ Red Sea battle says the US Navy needs to make sure it’s ready for a drone fight (newsbreak.com)
A photograph captures the intense moment a US Navy warship launches a missile in the Red Sea back in February, as reported by the US Central Command.
Throughout its extensive mission targeting the Houthi forces, the US Navy has gleaned significant insights. According to a seasoned strike group commander responsible for combat operations, the success in battle is largely attributed to the rigorous training received by the warships. However, he emphasizes the need for enhanced training with drones for future operations.
American naval forces have been engaged in challenging operations against the rising threats from Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, in the strategic waters of the Middle East. These continuing threats to commercial navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden showcase the ongoing struggle faced by the Navy.
Rear Admiral Marc Miguez, who led the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group throughout its deployment, which was extended twice, has noted the importance of improving tactics to counter drones. The Eisenhower strike group, comprising an aircraft carrier and several warships, dedicated over seven months to intercepting missiles and drones launched by Houthi forces and carrying out preemptive strikes to protect vital maritime routes.
In a formation with the Italian Navy, components of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group showcased their strength and coordination in the Red Sea on June 7, as captured in a US Navy photo.
Reflecting on the complex operations against the Houthis, Miguez describes the deployment as groundbreaking, filled with novel experiences that have enriched the Navy’s combat abilities. He shared these insights in a piece for the US Naval Institute, highlighting the evolution in handling missile and drone threats, which marks a step forward in preparing for future conflicts.
Miguez praised the pre-deployment training for its contribution to the success in the Red Sea, urging future missions to incorporate more diverse unmanned scenarios, including air, surface, and underwater drones. He pointed to the innovative use of drones in naval conflicts, such as Ukraine’s use against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, underscoring the emerging threat they represent.
The recent sinking of the MV Tutor in the Red Sea by a Houthi drone boat in June further underscores the evolving challenges in naval warfare, beyond the specifics of countering drone threats.
Miguez emphasized that the experience gained from countering anti-ship weaponry and other threats during this historic deployment would inform broader Navy strategy against various adversaries. To improve future operations, data on every engagement, detected missile, and observed UAV is analyzed by shore-based experts for enhancements.
He shared insights from encounters with anti-ship ballistic missiles, a new component in combat, highlighting the Navy’s significant learning curve in handling such threats.
Rear Admiral Kavon Hakimzadeh succeeded Miguez shortly before the Eisenhower strike group ended its deployment in the Red Sea on June 22. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is set to replace the Eisenhower group’s position in the Middle East.
The temporary absence of an American aircraft carrier in the region marks a shift in naval presence amidst recent aggressive actions by the Houthis, including attacks on commercial ships using explosive drone boats.
This report originally appeared on Business Insider.