[U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth: U.S. Rapid Reaction Forces Deployed to the Middle East] Reported by Jinse Finance, on May 24, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that airborne and rapid reaction forces have been ordered to stand by for deployment to the Middle East as an 'Iron Shield' to protect U.S. bases and citizens from threats posed by Iranian proxies. This includes U.S. forces utilizing HIMARS rocket systems to assist in sinking Iranian naval vessels. Hegseth remarked: 'I know the Army enjoys sinking the Navy—this is currently the only Navy you're allowed to sink.' (Jin10)