US Navy’s aircraft carrier that tested new drone-killing laser weapon arrives in Middle East

The US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush has arrived in the Middle East, entering the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

USS George H.W. Bush was sailing in the Indian Ocean within the US Central Command area of responsibility on April 23, according to the command overseeing US military operations in the Middle East.

In a post on X, CENTCOM shared an image of the carrier, showing its flight deck packed with warplanes.

The navy deployed its carrier strike group into international waters to conduct naval operations in the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

The George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) employs ships that consist of the flagship USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers: USS Ross (DDG 71), homeported in Norfolk, Va; USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Mason (DDG 87), homeported in Mayport, Fla. Mason is the GHWBCSG air and missile defense commander.

In October 2025, in partnership with AeroVironment and the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, the US Navy tested a high-energy laser weapon aboard the aircraft carrier. The live-fire test showcased the palletized LOCUST laser system’s ability to neutralize drones.

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