US Military Buildup Described as Largest Since 2003

Defense analysts and multiple outlets describe the accelerating US military buildup in the Middle East as the largest since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Assets now deploying include the USS Abraham Lincoln CSG, 35+ F-15E Strike Eagles, additional F-35A squadrons, B-1B Lancers rotating through Diego Garcia, and Army Patriot missile batteries. Total force exceeds 45,000 personnel in the CENTCOM AOR above normal levels.