(VIDEO) Malaysian Anglers “Encounter” USS Theodore Roosevelt in Strait of Malacca

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In a video that has gone viral on various social media platforms, a group of Malaysian anglers in the Strait of Malacca reportedly encountered the American aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

According to information circulating on social media, the viral video was taken approximately two weeks ago by one of the anglers on a small boat.

Prior to this encounter, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier had just completed its mission in the South China Sea and entered the Strait of Malacca to continue its journey to a new destination.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, along with its escort ships, the destroyers USS Halsey (DDG-97) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG-118), were in the South China Sea participating in the “Freedom Edge” exercises with South Korean and Japanese warships.

Observers claim that the USS Theodore Roosevelt appeared to be in a hurry to reach its new destination, as it did not stop in Singapore for the usual “rest and relax” period or replenishment.

The video taken by the Malaysian anglers also shows the American warship speeding through the Strait of Malacca towards its new destination.

Observers suggest that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is sailing towards the Red Sea to replace another U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight E. Eisenhower (CVN-69), which has just completed its mission in those waters.

 The USS Dwight E. Eisenhower has been called back to its home port after spending six months in the 5th Fleet’s area of operations, which covers the Middle East region.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, replacing “Ike” (the nickname for the USS Dwight E. Eisenhower), will participate in the “Prosperity Guardian” operation in the Red Sea to provide security for commercial and merchant ships passing through these waters from attacks by Houthi armed groups.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently confirmed that the USS Theodore Roosevelt has entered the 5th Fleet’s area of operations.

There are also claims that the USS Theodore Roosevelt will be deployed to the Mediterranean Sea near Israel, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are escalating and could lead to open conflict at any moment.

The Houthi armed group has issued threats against the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Their spokesperson, Yahya Saree, has reportedly stated that they will target the American aircraft carrier, just as they did with the carrier operating in the Red Sea before, the USS Dwight E. Eisenhower.

“We will target the aircraft carrier when it enters our range,” he said.

Previously, the Houthi armed group claimed to have successfully hit the USS Dwight E. Eisenhower, a claim that was denied by the United States without any evidence provided by the Yemeni armed group. — DSA