The USS Theodore Roosevelt is returning to the Indo-Pacific after an extended deployment in the Middle East, where it was stationed to support Israel amid tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. This marks the end of a rare dual-carrier presence with the USS Abraham Lincoln, which remains in the region. The deployment extension was ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to deter potential attacks on Israel and safeguard U.S. troops. The Roosevelt's return follows nearly nine months of deployment, underscoring the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite the Roosevelt's departure, the U.S. maintains a 'robust force posture' in the Middle East with other naval assets.