WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with another warship, to extend its deployment in the Mediterranean Sea for several more weeks. This decision aims to maintain a two-carrier presence near Israel as the conflict with Hamas continues to unfold, marking the third extension of the Ford’s deployment.
US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the prolonged deployments of the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Normandy cruiser. The move underscores persistent concerns about the volatility in the region amid Israel’s ongoing bombardments in Gaza. Having two aircraft carriers in the region is a rare occurrence in recent years.
The Pentagon heightened its military presence in response to Hamas’ attacks on October 7, aiming to deter Iran from escalating the conflict into a regional crisis.
US warships in the Red Sea have intercepted incoming missiles fired from areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, while also responding to calls for assistance from commercial vessels under persistent Houthi attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
US Support for Israel
The USS Gerald R. Ford was originally deployed to the eastern Mediterranean on October 8, a day after the Hamas attack. The decision to keep the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier in the region comes as Israel’s defense minister anticipates a prolonged war, stating it will take months to defeat Hamas.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli leaders to discuss a potential timetable for de-escalation, yet Israeli officials reiterated their commitment to press the fight until Hamas is crushed.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, with approximately 5,000 sailors on board, had been awaiting a Pentagon decision on whether they would be able to return home for the holidays. The extension will keep the Ford in the region for several more weeks, contributing to the two-carrier presence alongside the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
