US assault ship USS Bataan raced at 'best speed' into the Red Sea fight ready to 'punch somebody in the face' if needed, top officers say

Sat, 05/25/2024 - 07:47

U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Fleet Week New York and Sailors assigned to the USS Bataan (LHD-5) man the rails as the ship arrives in Manhattan, New York for Fleet Week New York 2024, May 22, 2024. — US Marines during Fleet Week in New York on May 22, 2024.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Orion Stpierre, Communication Directorate

USS Bataan extended its deployment last year and sailed into the Red Sea to combat the Houthis.
The US amphibious assault ship joined a fight largely meant for other ships, a senior officer said.
The Bataan is in New York City this week as part of Fleet Week 2024.

As war broke out between Israel and Hamas and the Iran-backed Houthis began terrorizing commercial shipping vessels, the US Navy warship USS Bataan changed its plans and rushed at "best speed" into the Red Sea.