The United States has sent the USS Colewarship to the coast of Lebanon in a "show of support" for regional stability, US officials said today.
A senior Bush administration official said the US was concerned about the political deadlock in Lebanon, which Washington blames on Syrian interference.
"The United States believes a show of support is important for regional stability. We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon. It has dragged on very long," said the senior official, who spoke on condition anonymity.
Lebanon's western-backed governing coalition and its Syrian- and Iranian-backed opposition have failed to reach a deal to end the country's political conflict.
"Our sense is that there is increased nervousness, with Hezbollah people making threats and a general sense that this is not going to get resolved," said the official.
The United States has increased pressure on Syria in recent weeks, targeting individuals with sanctions.
The presidential election in Lebanon was postponed again this week to March 11th - the 15th such delay - after rival leaders failed to reach a deal.
The deadlock has threatened to degenerate into sectarian violence and continues to poison inter-Arab relations in the run-up to an Arab summit in Syria next month.
A US defence official said the USS Coleleft Malta on Tuesday and was headed toward Lebanon, adding it would not be within visible range of Lebanon but "well over the horizon."
The official said the Colecould be replaced by the USS Nassau, an amphibious assault ship. The Nassau is in the Atlantic and en route to the Mediterranean, the official added.