--- title: "USS Theodore Roosevelt Arrives In Singapore; Last Stop Before Third Strike Group Reaches The Middle East" date: "2026-11-06" modified: "2026-11-06" authors: - name: "Ian Ellis-Jones" job_title: "Head of Audience Development and Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/ian-ellis-jones.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/sea/uss-theodore-roosevelt-arrives-in-singapore-last-stop-before-third-strike-group-reaches-the-middle-east" categories: - "Carrier Tracker" - "Carriers" - "Sea" --- # USS Theodore Roosevelt Arrives In Singapore; Last Stop Before Third Strike Group Reaches The Middle East ![TWZ’s weekly carrier tracker monitoring America’s flattop fleet, including deployed CSGs and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG), using publicly available open-source information.]() USS *Theodore Roosevelt* moored at Changi Naval Base in Singapore last night just before midnight Eastern Time, her final stop before continuing on to the Middle East. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will join the George H.W. Bush and George Washington CSGs, which are both now prepared, locked, and loaded should the commander in chief follow through on threats to renew military action against Iran after Tuesday's midterm elections. *Roosevelt* and the three escorting warships will transit the Strait of Malacca next before heading west toward the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR), a journey that will likely take one to two weeks. Meanwhile, the U.S. quietly launched strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, according to a [report first published]() by *The Wall Street Journal*. The U.S. officials cited said the strikes were reactive and for defensive purposes, but the paper notes they were the latest in a "series of limited strikes Washington has secretly carried out against the country in recent weeks." However, it's possible that CENTCOM has begun shaping operations to prepare the battlefield if the go order is given. The U.S. military did not announce the strikes publicly, a noteworthy deviation from past operations that were typically disclosed, but [U.S. President Donald Trump told]() *Fox* on Tuesday the strikes amounted to "just a minor attack" on a recently built "anti-aircraft facility." *Here’s TWZ’s weekly [carrier tracker]() monitoring and visualizing America’s flattop fleet, including deployed CSGs and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARGs), using publicly available open-source information. Check out last week’s report* *[here]().* ![TWZ’s weekly carrier tracker monitoring and visualizing America’s flattop fleet, including deployed CSGs and Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG), using publicly available open-source information. Created by Ian Ellis-Jones and TWZ.]() *A high-resolution graphic visualizing the status and location of America's fleet of 11 aircraft carriers. TWZ/IAN ELLIS-JONES* ## How Fast Can The Theodore Roosevelt CSG Get To The Middle East? The Theodore Roosevelt CSG [completed combined exercise]() Keen Sword 27, which involved four other allied navies, on October 29. After being [topped off by]() fleet replenishment oiler USNS *Tippecanoe* the following day, *Roosevelt* and her three escorts – guided-missile cruiser USS *Chosin* and guided-missile destroyers USS *Paul Hamilton* and USS *Decatur* – entered the South China Sea via the Luzon Strait and steamed southwest toward Singapore. A [U.S. official told]() *Axios* that the group will spend a few days in Singapore and "won't reach CENTCOM's area of responsibility before mid-November." ![A custom TWZ graphic visualizing the transit of aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt into Changi Naval Base on November 5, 2026. Created by Ian Ellis-Jones and TWZ. Source: MarineTraffic/KPLER and Reprinted with permission]() *USS Theodore Roosevelt's transit on November 5 into Singapore. Source: MarineTraffic/KPLER (Reprinted with permission)* According to [MarineTraffic](), *Roosevelt* switched on her Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder about 100 nautical miles east of Malaysia at 11:25 a.m. ET on November 5, broadcasting a precise position publicly for the first time since [departing Yokosuka]() on October 19. The flattop moored at Berth 3/4 at RSS Singapura–Changi Naval Base approximately 12 hours later, followed by the other three warships over the next few hours. The next leg of *Roosevelt’s* transit to the CENTCOM AOR runs north through the narrow Strait of Malacca and west across the vast Indian Ocean. In August, USS *George Washington* completed the journey from the Strait to the Arabian Sea in just over one week. A few days in port and a roughly 10-day cruise support the reporting of a mid-to-late November arrival. ![Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Royal Australian Navy Supply-class replenishment oiler HMAS Stalwart (A304), Nov. 4, 2026. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a free and open Indo Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo)Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Royal Australian Navy Supply-class replenishment oiler HMAS Stalwart (A304), Nov. 4, 2026. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a free and open Indo Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo)]() *USS Theodore Roosevelt conducts a replenishment-at-sea with Royal Australian Navy oiler HMAS Stalwart in the South China Sea. U.S. Navy photo* Elements of the Makin Island ARG, which is also reportedly bound for the Middle East, were still in Yokosuka, Japan, as of publication. The three-ship amphibious group, packed with more than 2,200 Marines, will likely replace the Boxer ARG, which is approaching eight months deployed and due for relief. The fleet of amphibious warships is stretched thin, with only 31 available in various states of readiness, but Navy and Marine leaders believe at least [40 are required](). ## Which Carriers Are On Station If The U.S. Launches Post-Midterm Strikes Against Iran? USS *George Washington*, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked, and USS *George H.W. Bush*, with CVW 7 aboard, are both operating in the Middle East. The composition of both CSGs is fluid as CENTCOM frequently rotates destroyers and cruisers assigned to strike groups with those on independent deployments. Imagery posted on DVIDS, the military's content-sharing platform, shows *Bush* [launching and recovering]() F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers on November 4, and *Washington* conducting a [fueling-at-sea evolution]() alongside fleet replenishment oiler USNS *Oscar V. Peterson* on November 3. ![An EA-18G Growler attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Nov. 4, 2026. George H.W. Bush is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)]() *An EA-18G Growler attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140 launches from USS George H.W. Bush. U.S. Navy photo* *Washington* [left Yokosuka](), where she is forward-deployed, 167 days ago on what was expected to be a routine three-month patrol in the Western Pacific. However, the flattop was redirected to the Middle East to [relieve the battle-worn]() USS *Abraham Lincoln*, leaving the roughly 5,000 Sailors aboard unprepared for an unexpected, and potentially extended, combat deployment. *Bush*, whose crew knew what their mission was upon departure, has been deployed for 220 days. Neither carrier has broadcast AIS since arriving in theater. ![Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) prepares to come alongside Supply-class fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) for a replenishment-at-sea evolution, Oct. 31, 2026. George Washington is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)]() *USS George Washington prepares for a replenishment-at-sea evolution with fast combat support ship USNS Arctic. U.S. Navy photo* An author of the *WSJ* article referenced above, Shelby Holliday, embarked on *Washington* in October and provided a firsthand account of life aboard the carrier in a series of [must-watch videos]() on YouTube and Instagram. Sailors spoke candidly about the deployment, and some hinted at what could come next. Holliday's [interview with the "Gun Boss,"]() Cmdr. Brian Garcia, showcased AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER (Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response) air-launched cruise missiles and GBU-31(V)4/B JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs equipped with BLU-109 bunker-buster penetrators. "We're getting more of these weapons right here, and a couple other items that they feel we're going to need for whatever the mission set sets forward in the future," Garcia said. When asked what the magazine room looks like before an escalation, he responded, "This is it right here. This is the preparation that we're ready for; we don't need to ramp up because we're already prepared." ## Where Is The Rest Of The American Aircraft Carrier Fleet? - On the West Coast, USS *Ronald Reagan* [returned to her homeport]() in Bremerton, Washington, on November 3 after departing San Diego the week before. *Reagan* was completing flight deck certification and carrier qualifications following a lengthy maintenance availability. USS *Abraham Lincoln*, which will [conduct a homeport shift]() from San Diego to Bremerton by the end of the year ahead of a Drydocking Planned Incremental Availability, remains moored at Naval Air Station North Island. Also pierside in San Diego, USS *Carl Vinson* has not been at sea since completing 25 days of Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Period in September. - On the East Coast, USS *Dwight D. Eisenhower* returned to Naval Station Norfolk yesterday after a one-day underway, according to AIS data. USS *Nimitz* has been operating at an undisclosed location [in the Atlantic Ocean]() conducting Carrier Air Traffic Control Center certifications with CVW 1, as well as carrier qualifications, since October 27. - Three carriers are currently offline in maintenance: USS *John C. Stennis*, USS *Gerald R. Ford*, and USS *Harry S. Truman*. *Stennis* is at the tail end of a yearslong Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), while *Truman* just began an RCOH. *Ford* started a post-deployment availability in July, and work is expected to be finished by March 2027. - The future USS *John F. Kennedy*, the Navy's second and newest *Gerald R. Ford* class supercarrier, returned to Norfolk on November 5 after 13 days at sea conducting Aircraft Compatibility Testing with [Super Hornets and Growlers](). In mid-October, an F-35C assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 made the [first arrested landing]() on and launch from a *Ford* class carrier. *Kennedy*, still considered a Pre-Commissioning Unit, is expected to enter the fleet in spring 2027, around the same time *Nimitz* will begin the process of deactivation. ![An F-35C Lightning II, from the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in the Pacific Ocean, Oct. 23, 2026. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is underway conducting routine training in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hannah Kantner)]() *Flight ops aboard USS Ronald Reagan. Navy photo* ![An F/A-18F Super Hornet, an F-35C Lightning II, and an EA-18G Growler, all attached to the "Salty Dogs" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, prepare for flight operations aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Nov. 2, 2026. John F. Kennedy is underway conducting Aircraft Compatibility Testing, which assesses the operational capabilities of the ship's aircraft launch and recovery equipment with U.S. Navy aircraft.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kaitlyn Bailey)]() *Future USS John F. Kennedy underway. Navy photo* ![A T-45 C Goshawk, attached to Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Training Air Wing 2, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during student naval aviator carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 4, 2026. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic training and readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alyssa J. Boling)]() *T-45C Goshawk on USS Nimitz. Navy photo* ## The Big Deck Fleet At A Glance Overall, three U.S. carriers are deployed, three are working up in various states of readiness, three are in maintenance, one is post-deployment preparing for an upcoming availability, another is being used primarily for training before deactivation, and the next to be commissioned will be delivered to the fleet in 2027. Two amphibious assault ships are deployed, one is forward-deployed, two are getting ready for future deployments and currently in port, and four are in maintenance. ![TWZ’s custom table summarizing the status of America’s fleet of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships using publicly available open-source information. Created by Ian Ellis-Jones and TWZ.]() *The status and location of America's fleet of 11 aircraft carriers and 9 amphibious assault ships. TWZ/IAN ELLIS-JONES* *Note: Positions are general approximations. Non-deployed LHA/LHD amphibious warships are not shown on the graphic.* Contact the [author](): *ian@twz.com or @ianellisjones* ## Author Ian is the Head of Audience Development and Writer at *TWZ*. He executes our full-spectrum social media strategy and brings his interpretive graphics skills to our editorial team as an OSINT analyst and researcher. Ian [joined]() *TWZ* in early 2026 and maintains our weekly [carrier tracker]() and [newsletter](). ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() ## More - [USS Theodore Roosevelt Is The First Carrier With A Drone Control Center Ready For MQ-25 Stingray Ops]() - [Where Are The Aircraft Carriers?: USS Abraham Lincoln Escorted To Thailand As The Middle East Heats Up]() - [Where Are The Aircraft Carriers?: September 9, 2026]() - [Where Are The Aircraft Carriers?: October 27, 2026]() - [USS George Washington’s Mideast Arrival Highlights Strain On Carrier Force]() - [Where Are The Aircraft Carriers: July 13, 2026]() - [Where Are The Aircraft Carriers?: September 30, 2026]() - [Where Are The Carriers As Of May 17, 2026: Ford Is Finally Home]()