On Tuesday, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the most advanced naval aircraft carrier in the United States, along with its supporting forces, was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean Sea with the strategic purpose of preventing any attempts to exploit the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This deployment was authorized by US Central Command, aiming to deter any parties from escalating the situation or expanding the conflict.
The deployed forces consisted not only of the aircraft carrier itself but also a complement of support aircraft. This included the USS Normandy, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, as well as the USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, all Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.
General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the commander at U.S. Central Command, emphasized the importance of these highly capable forces arriving in the region, serving as a robust deterrent to any hostile actors considering taking advantage of the situation to the detriment of Israel.
The decision to send the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the region was made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in response to a series of attacks launched by the Hamas militant group in Israel, resulting in civilian casualties and hostage-taking. Israel, in retaliation, initiated actions in Gaza, the territory controlled by Hamas. As of Tuesday, Israeli officials reported the loss of 1,000 citizens, while Gaza’s Ministry of Health documented at least 830 casualties from Israeli strikes.
Furthermore, US defense officials are currently considering the potential deployment of another aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean waters near Israel. Reports indicate that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is being contemplated for this purpose.
