The US Navy recently made headlines by executing a historic airstrike from a single aircraft carrier, marking a significant moment in military operations. Earlier this year, the Navy dropped an astounding 125,000 pounds (or 625 tons) of bombs in Somalia. This announcement came from Admiral James Kilby, the acting Chief of Naval Operations, who spoke at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington.
Admiral Kilby revealed that this operation took place on February 1, carried out by the USS Harry S. Truman and its accompanying carrier strike group. According to defense officials, a total of 16 FA-18 Super Hornet fighter jets were involved in this mission, targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants operating in Somalia. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) had previously reported several airstrikes in early February, aimed specifically at ISIS leaders hiding in cave complexes, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen militants.
Since January, the US has conducted at least 25 airstrikes in Somalia, predominantly focused on ISIS and the Al-Qaeda-associated group Al-Shabaab. Kilby described this operation as a powerful demonstration of the US Navy's capability to project strength globally. He emphasized that this airstrike was a strategic move to showcase the operational prowess of US aircraft carriers.
Currently, US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces aboard the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson are continuing operations against the Iran-supported Houthis. Throughout its deployment in the Middle East since the fall of 2024, the Truman strike group has assumed a dual role, supporting counterterrorism efforts in Africa while addressing threats in the Red Sea. Over the past six months, they have conducted 670 strikes against Houthi militants backed by Iran and successfully intercepted approximately 160 drones and missiles targeting US and allied vessels.
Admiral Kilby also addressed several significant incidents involving the Truman. There was a friendly fire accident in December when an American FA-18 was mistakenly shot down. Additionally, in April and May, the carrier lost several aircraft overboard, and in mid-February, it collided with a commercial vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. Following this incident, the commanding officer of the Truman was relieved of duty.
The strike group has now exited the Red Sea and is participating in NATO military exercises in the Mediterranean. After these drills, they are expected to return to their homeport in Norfolk, Virginia.
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