In a bid to prevent further Middle East tensions, the US is sending the USS Wasp and 2,200 Marines to the eastern Mediterranean, reminiscent of prior deployments after Hamas' recent attack on Israel.

With tensions simmering between Israel and Hezbollah, the US is dispatching the USS Wasp, along with a couple of its seaworthy buddies, to the eastern Mediterranean. The deployment is part of a pre-planned operation, featuring a cast of 2,200 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit who are experts in handling everything from special operations to evacuations—though there’s no plan to whisk Americans out of Lebanon just yet. The State Department is, however, advising Americans to reconsider packing their bags for Lebanon, given the region's ever-changing security landscape.

The USS Wasp isn't traveling alone; tagging along are the USS Oak Hill and the USS New York. This seafaring clan is gearing up for a mission that aims to reduce the risk of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a situation that has been smoldering like an overcooked brisket. These naval deployments echo earlier missions, such as when the USS Bataan and the USS Gerald Ford streamed towards the region after Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.

The State Department has stepped in with a travel advisory, suggesting Americans think twice before booking that spontaneous trip to sip mint tea in Beirut. While travel warnings may not be as glamorous as sun-soaked Mediterranean cruises, they serve a crucial role in keeping inquisitive tourists out of hot water—or worse.

It's worth mentioning that the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, cozily housed aboard the USS Wasp, are not your average spring breakers. These Marines bring a toolkit filled with capabilities for special operations and evacuation missions. They're essentially the Swiss Army knives of the military, prepared to pop in and out as needed, although, as of now, an evacuation isn't in the playbook.

If this feels like déjà vu, you'd be right. Back in 2006, the State Department orchestrated a non-combatant evacuation for Americans in Lebanon, shepherding approximately 15,000 citizens to safer pastures within a fortnight. This history lends a certain air of readiness to the current deployment, just in case things go pear-shaped again.

Despite the high stakes, there's a bit of an air of routine to this deployment. According to officials, it’s all part of a long-planned strategy, like setting out the last-minute Thanksgiving centerpiece. They're hoping that the show of naval strength will be enough to keep things from boiling over in the region.

While the Marines and sailors are busy playing international peacekeepers, the rest of the world will be watching closely. Whether this move calms the waters or throws more fuel onto the geopolitical fire remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on ensuring that the presence of these amphibious assault ships and their crew sends a clear message: the US is keeping an eye on things, and they’re not afraid to roll up their sleeves if needed.