The deployment of the Nimitz carrier strike group (CSG) to the Middle East is a sign of the United States' dedication to maintaining security in the region.

After its recent strikes against nuclear sites in Iran, the US military is taking steps to de-escalate a tense situation in the Middle East.

Led by the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, the strike group has united with the US Navy's 5th Fleet, joining the Vinson CSG in the Arabian Sea, USNI News reported June 24.

The joint power of the two carrier strike groups ensures offensive and defensive capabilities in the air and at sea.

USS Nimitz is one of the most frequently deployed warships in the world and the lead vessel in the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class. The massive carrier measures more than 330m in length, with a flight deck width of over 75m.

Its commendations for participation in operations and conflicts include four Navy E ribbons, Navy Expeditionary Medals with six stars, a Navy Unit Commendation with two stars and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

The CSG includes the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and Destroyer Squadron-9, which includes the USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Gridley, USS Wayne E. Meyer and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee.

Airpower at sea

USS Nimitz carries three F/A-18E Super Hornet squadrons and one F/A-18F Super Hornet squadron.

Super Hornets are flexible and adaptive aircraft that are capable of taking off from short runways, making them ideal for carrier operations.

With the ability to reach speeds above Mach 2.5 (3,000km/h), they are also among the fastest multirole fighters in the world.

Their high speeds are unencumbered by a relatively high maximum takeoff weight of 37,000kg and a variety of ordnance that includes both precision-guided missiles and conventional bombs.

Aboard USS Nimitz, an EA-18G squadron also conducts electronic warfare, and an E-2D Hawkeye squadron oversees airborne early warning (AEW) capabilities.

The C-2A Greyhound, a workhorse carrier onboard delivery aircraft, provides resupply and other support.

CVW-17 is rounded out by two helicopter squadrons that fly the MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawks, respectively.

The air wing provides an unparalleled breadth and variety of air support, surveillance and attack capabilities that can meet any mission’s requirements.

Any Nimitz-class super carrier is capable of generating up to 125 strike sorties per day for a continuous 30 days.

Each sortie can engage six targets -- land, sea, fixed or mobile -- enabling USS Nimitz to hit 750 targets each day by leveraging its airwing.