The USS Carl Vinson, representing U.S. military efforts in Yemen, now reassessing its operations.
In a significant change of strategy, President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to stop bombing Houthi targets in Yemen. This decision coincides with the Houthis agreeing to cease attacks on shipping routes in the Middle East, leading to a reassessment of military operations involving aircraft carriers in the region. The halt in airstrikes comes as the U.S. aims to balance regional security interests amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, based in San Diego, has been actively involved in targeting Houthi positions and returned to the region on April 15. Following the new command, operations that primarily focused on Houthi command and control facilities and air defense systems will be reassessed. Meanwhile, the USS Harry S. Truman continues its deployment in the region after arriving in late September, and its deployment has been extended for an additional week to maintain dual carrier strike groups against Houthi rebels.
Since March 15, the U.S. military has escalated its airstrikes against the Houthis, conducting daily operations in Yemen. The U.S. campaign has seen over 1,000 targeted strikes with defense officials reporting over 650 casualties among Houthi forces. This shift to halt airstrikes comes amidst claims that Houthi ballistic missile launches have decreased by 69%, with drone attacks down by 55%. Despite this success, there have been lapses, with the Houthis previously pausing their attacks before resuming them shortly thereafter.
The operational balance in the region is complex. Hosting dual aircraft carriers, such as the Vinson and the Truman, is unusual due to maintenance schedules and deployment logistics. Should the Truman depart as expected, its sailors could return home by next month. The USS Carl Vinson previously deployed from San Diego in mid-November, with no timetable yet for its return.
This amplified focus on the Houthis is essential in the context of maritime security, as they had previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels from November 2023 to January 2025, leading to significant maritime threats including the sinking of two vessels and the loss of four sailors’ lives. An indication of the ongoing conflict was the confirmation of an F/A-18E Super Hornet’s loss after falling into the Red Sea during operations against Houthi forces, which they claimed was part of their military operations against the Truman.
The U.S. military activities and the new orders to cease bombing come amid the critical backdrop of the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Central Command is prioritizing operational security, limiting public disclosures of military actions while reaffirming its stance on countering Iran’s support for the Houthis. As the dynamics in the region evolve, the potential for further escalation in the U.S.-Houthi conflict remains high.
Overall, the shift in strategy and the current military posture underscores a significant moment in U.S. involvement in Yemen and highlights the delicate balance of regional security interests.
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