By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The recent deployment of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) showcases the sheer power and strategic capability of modern naval operations. Over a nine-month period, this formidable group executed a series of aggressive and defensive actions against Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, according to a recent US Navy news. This included the launch of an impressive array of munitions: 155 Standard-series missiles and 135 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Additionally, the aircraft within the strike group deployed 60 air-to-air missiles and 420 air-to-surface munitions, effectively neutralizing various Houthi threats, including aerial drones, missiles, uncrewed surface vessels, and undersea vehicles.
The return of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to Naval Station Norfolk on July 14, 2024, marked the end of this intensive deployment. The vessel, a Nimitz-class carrier, along with its air wing and escorts—including the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87)—embarked on their mission in October of the previous year. Their primary objective was to counter threats posed by Houthi militants and safeguard maritime activities in the Red Sea and surrounding areas.
The deployment also saw the integration of additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, namely the USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Carney (DDG 64), which bolstered the strike group’s capabilities. Notably, USS Carney alone destroyed 65 Houthi drones and missiles during its deployment, showcasing its critical role in the mission. However, the Navy has not clarified if the munitions fired by these additional ships are included in the overall figures for the IKECSG’s operations.
A breakdown of the 155 Standard Missiles employed during the deployment was not provided, though it is known that SM-2s and SM-6s were utilized against the Houthis. Additionally, the USS Carney and USS Arleigh Burke launched SM-3s to defend Israel from Iranian threats in April, marking the combat debut for this missile. However, these operations were separate from the IKECSG’s main mission.
An intriguing aspect of the deployment was the use of AGM-88E AARGMs by EA-18G Growlers from the Eisenhower. One Growler notably destroyed an Mi-24/35 Hind gunship helicopter on the ground with an AARGM, earning a unique kill marking. This deployment also saw various aircraft from Eisenhower’s air wing sporting victory marks reflecting their air-to-air kills and successful air-to-surface strikes.
The deployment’s defensive actions were vital in protecting commercial shipping and allied warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The cost of these operations is staggering, with each Block V Tomahawk missile costing approximately $1.89 million. The total expenditure for the 135 Tomahawks alone would be around $255 million. Additionally, the cost of Standard Missiles, such as the SM-2 Block IIIC and SM-6 Block IA, ranges from $2.53 million to $4.27 million each. Air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120D AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder cost $1.03 million and $451,968 respectively.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro disclosed in April that the Navy had expended over $1 billion worth of munitions in operations against the Houthis since October 2023. This included the defense of Israel in April, highlighting the significant financial investment in these operations.
The deployment has provided valuable lessons for the U.S. military, highlighting operational and logistical challenges, particularly the Navy’s current inability to rearm ships at sea. These insights are crucial as the Navy prepares for potential conflicts in more contested regions.
