In late 2023, a large number of US warships gathered in the Red Sea to protect Israeli-linked merchant ships from attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen. The US military aimed to weaken the Houthis’ ability to launch missile and drone strikes, but so far, they haven’t succeeded. Instead of backing down, the Houthis have intensified their attacks, making the situation even more concerning.
One alarming incident occurred in June when a Houthi missile nearly struck the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a massive aircraft carrier. The missile landed just 200 meters from the ship, and this was not an isolated event. A recent article from analysts at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy highlighted how the Houthis have been improving their targeting capabilities. Their missiles and drones are now able to track ships more effectively, making it harder for the US military to defend against them.
The analysts explained that the Houthis have developed a strategy that allows them to launch attacks with less warning. Their missiles can fly in at a shallow angle, making them harder to detect and intercept. The article mentioned that the Houthis might be using advanced technology to guide their missiles accurately. They have also been successful in striking ships that are about 150-200 kilometers away from where they launch their attacks.
This was not the first time a US warship faced a close call. Earlier in January 2024, the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, was targeted by a Houthi missile that nearly got through its defenses. Fortunately, the ship’s last line of defense, a Close-In Weapons System, managed to intercept the missile just in time.
Despite these serious threats, US military officials have downplayed the risk. Captain Christopher Hill, who leads the USS Eisenhower, has repeatedly assured the public that the ships are safe, even while the Houthis continue their missile attacks. However, reports from various sources indicate that the crew aboard the Eisenhower has been feeling the pressure, suggesting that fatigue is setting in as they deal with constant threats from the Houthis.
In an interview, Captain Eric Blomberg, who commands the USS Laboon, shared his concerns about the Houthi threat. He stressed how serious the situation is and emphasized that it only takes one mistake for the Houthis to succeed in hitting a US ship.
As Eisenhower finished its deployment in the Red Sea, it was replaced by another carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, in July, followed by the USS Abraham Lincoln in September. However, discussions in the media have raised questions about the vulnerability of US aircraft carriers. Despite their advanced technology and strong defenses, the persistent harassment from the Houthis has sparked fears about their safety in modern combat scenarios.
A report from Forbes warned observers to take the Houthi threat seriously. While it might seem unlikely that the Houthis could damage a US carrier, history shows that even the strongest defenses can fail due to human error. It’s a reminder that while confidence in the military’s capabilities is important, complacency can be dangerous.
So far, the US has spent over $22 billion on its operations in the Middle East since October 2023, with more than $2.5 billion dedicated to deploying warships and aircraft against the Houthis. Despite this investment, the campaign has not been effective, and the Houthis seem to be getting better at hitting their targets. Recently, a Houthi drone even struck a building near the US Consulate in Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring others.
As tensions rise in the region, the question remains: How long can the US military withstand the Houthi threat before it becomes a more significant challenge?
