"Assessing Morale and Readiness: US Navy's Response to Red Sea Threats"

Leaders from the Norfolk-based USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group report high morale among the crew despite the tense climate in the Middle East, where the ship and its strike group have been deployed to the Red Sea. The region has seen increased attacks on merchant vessels and military ships by Houthi-controlled Yemen, backed by Iran. U.S. Navy ships, including Norfolk-based destroyer USS Laboon, have been targeted, but missiles were successfully intercepted. The sailors have been part of joint strikes and retaliatory actions against Houthi targets, with the commanding officer emphasizing the crew's dedication and the ship's motto, "best damn ship in the Navy."