USS Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrives in Middle East region
The Lincoln group joins the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group 
Photo credit U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerome D. Johnson
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III ordered the Lincoln to accelerate its deployment to Central Command earlier this month, Singh said. The secretary ordered the plus-up of U.S. forces in the region "as part of broad adjustments to [the] U.S. military posture" to ensure U.S. force protection, increase support for the defense of Israel and ensure the United States is prepared to respond to a wide range of contingencies, she said.
An Air Force F-22 Raptor squadron has already arrived in the region, and the USS Georgia — a cruise missile submarine — is operating nearby.
The deployment of U.S. forces to the region may have gotten into the "headspace" of Iranian officials who have threatened strikes on Israel. Singh said the forces are well positioned to counter any attack from Iran or Iranian-backed proxies.
"We remain focused on efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, and while also remaining focused on securing a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal, to bring all of the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza," Singh said.
The deputy press secretary said conversations continue with Ukrainian officials on their strategy to counter Russian attacks in their country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine continues operations in the Kursk region of Russia and that Ukrainian forces are fighting against the "occupiers" in the Donbas region.
Bottom line for the United States, Singh said, is that efforts to support Ukraine will continue.
She said presidential drawdown authority packages will continue, as will training of Ukrainian service members.
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