US Sends USS Gerald R. Ford to Mediterranean Amid Iran Tensions

The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean as Israel continues military operations against Iran, CNN reported, citing a U.S. official and other sources.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) carrier strike group is expected to arrive in the region next week, operating under the U.S. European Command.

Although the deployment had been planned since late 2023, its timing underscores the growing importance of the U.S. military posture in response to the recent escalation between Israel and Iran.

Meanwhile, the USS Nimitz is heading toward the Middle East, where it will either replace the USS Carl Vinson or operate alongside it.

U.S. aircraft carriers serve as a core element of American power projection, capable of launching air operations globally. Their presence is also intended as a strategic signal during heightened regional tensions.

A broader buildup of U.S. naval assets in waters near Iran was reported earlier this week.

At the same time, fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jets — designed to secure air superiority — were deployed to the region. The aircraft departed from RAF Lakenheath in the UK, en route to Jordan’s Mowaffak Salti Air Base.

On June 17, several U.S. aerial refueling aircraft that had been participating in the Atlantic Trident 25 exercise in Europe were also redirected to the Middle East.

Currently, around 30,000 U.S. troops are stationed across the Middle East, with a total of approximately 40,000 American military personnel in the wider region.