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The president's comments were more in line with what officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity told CNN and other outlets after the ships were deployed Monday : that the U.S. ships were moved closer to Yemen to monitor and dissuade the Iranian convoy. Josh Earnest, though, focused on the need for the U.S. Navy ships to keep the region's waters safe for commerce. READ : Rubio, Kirk : No nuclear deal unless Iran releases reporter The movement of the -- of this particular aircraft carrier would augment the American military presence in the Gulf of Aden and would send a clear signal about our continued insistence about the free flow of commerce and the freedom of movement in the region.