The U.S. Navy revealed on Saturday that a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine is now operating in the Middle East, in support of the Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet.

The USS Florida entered the region on Thursday and began transiting the Suez Canal, Reuters reported, citing the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet spokesperson, Commander Timothy Hawkins.

"It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability," Hawkins said.