USS Bataan at sea (Photo: U.S. Navy, Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Dennis Timms)
In response to the escalating violence in Israel and Palestine, The American Legion has issued a strong condemnation of the situation and extended its full support for U.S. troops deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean in an effort to deter further escalation. The statement was made by National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer.
Expressing deep concern for the potential consequences of the ongoing conflict, Seehafer emphasized the Legion’s solidarity with Israel and denounced the attacks carried out by Hamas. He also offered prayers for the victims of the violence and the safety of American Service Members who are on standby to protect national interests.
Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union, launched a cross-border attack on Israel, involving thousands of rocket firings. In response to Hamas’s attack, which occurred on October 7, Israel declared war on the Gaza-based militant group. This conflict has become the deadliest between Palestine and Israel since the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, resulting in over 4,000 casualties to date. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 2,750 Palestinian deaths and 9,700 wounded, while at least 1,400 Israelis were killed. Additionally, hundreds, including children and the elderly, were taken as hostages by Hamas.
Western officials are closely monitoring whether other adversaries of Israel, such as Iran and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, have intentions to join the conflict. To support deterrence and provide security assistance to Israel, the U.S. has deployed aircraft carriers, Marines, and other assets to the region. These forces are not intended for combat roles but for missions such as advising and providing medical support. The U.S. military has placed approximately 2,000 personnel and various units on a heightened state of readiness, with a focus on the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the indefinite extension of the USS Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group’s deployment, with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group en route to join it in the Middle East. A task force of sailors and Marines aboard the USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall, and USS Mesa Verde, equipped with an infantry battalion, F-35B fighter jets, armored vehicles, and other weaponry are headed to the Red Sea.
The primary focus of the Defense Department is to discourage Israel’s other adversaries from entering the conflict, provide security assistance to the U.S. ally, and maintain a high level of vigilance against potential threats to U.S. forces. No direct involvement of U.S. forces in combat is anticipated at this time.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
