Deployment Delayed

At the Navy's request, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has delayed the deployment of the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) and the cruiser Gettysburg (CG-64), which were scheduled to depart Norfolk, VA, later this week for U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement this afternoon.

"Facing budget uncertainty -- including a continuing resolution and the looming potential for across-the-board sequestration cuts -- the U.S. Navy made this request to the secretary and he approved," Little said. "This prudent decision enables the U.S. Navy to maintain these ships to deploy on short notice in the event they are needed to respond to national security contingencies. The United States will continue to maintain a robust military presence in the CENTCOM region, including the current carrier presence and a mix of other assets, to fulfill enduring commitments to our partners. The U.S. military continues to stand ready to respond to any contingency and to confront any threat in the region."