He cites need for U.S. presence in Europe.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered American warships to stay in the Mediterranean as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue. The USS Harry Truman carrier strike group was ordered to remain in European Command’s area of operations instead of transiting to Central Command’s area of operations, which includes Northeast Africa across the Middle East to South Asia.
The Pentagon stated the change “reflects the need for a persistent presence in Europe and is necessary to reassure our allies and partners of our commitment to collective defense.”
The U.S. and NATO have warned that Russia may be preparing to invade Ukraine as Moscow amasses tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border. Moscow has denied intentions of invading Ukraine and earlier in December submitted security demands that NATO not expand eastward and roll back its military deployments.
U.S. and Russian officials will meet on January 10 to discuss Russia’s demands and that will be followed by a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council on January 12, and a broader meeting on January 13.
The Navy group includes the flagship USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier, as well as the cruiser USS San Jacinto and the guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge, USS Cole, USS Gravely, and USS Jason Dunham.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Defense Secretary Austin as he assesses the military needs around the globe and advises the president.
- For the president to seek God’s guidance in his role as commander in chief.
- For U.S. diplomats as efforts are made to defuse the situation near Ukraine.
Sources: The Hill, USN News, Military Times
