The United States Navy announced on Monday that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CGS) is returning home after an extended deployment to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The deployment, which lasted over 240 days, involved the Ford carrier and its accompanying warships contributing to regional deterrence and defense posture, particularly in the context of the Israeli regime's conflict with the Palestinian Hamas resistance group in the Gaza Strip.
Deployed in October, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group played a role in protecting Israel during the hostilities that began on October 7. The strike group's mission involved supporting the regional deterrence and defense efforts of the US 6th Fleet.
The Israeli regime's offensive in Gaza, initiated after Hamas conducted Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, resulted in an extension of the Ford CSG's deployment in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will now be replaced by the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship, along with the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall.
The US Navy's statement noted that these vessels, previously in the Red Sea, were sailing towards the Eastern Mediterranean to continue contributing to regional security.
It is essential to highlight that the United States has been a longstanding supporter of Israel, providing significant military support annually. In response to the recent conflict, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the rapid provision of additional equipment and resources, including munitions, to the Israel Defense Forces. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was also deployed to the Mediterranean and the Middle East to support Israel during this period.
