US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Opposes Deploying USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Middle East

US Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle has spoken out against the possible extension of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group’s deployment to the Middle East.

The ship has been at sea since June 2025 and is currently operating in the area of responsibility of the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), according to The War Zone.

According to the admiral, the extension of the mission disrupts the sailors’ plans, affects their personal lives, and creates problems with ship maintenance.

Shipyards expect ships to arrive on schedule, and any deviation from the schedule complicates repair work and increases financial costs.

He also noted that overuse of ships leads to additional damage that was not anticipated in maintenance plans.

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group departed Norfolk on June 24, 2025, on a “scheduled deployment” to the Mediterranean Sea, but was later redeployed to South America to participate in operations against Venezuela.

The group’s ships are currently conducting tasks as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating drug trafficking and maintaining pressure on Caracas.