USS Gerald R. Ford to return home amid heightened US military buildup in the Middle East.
Key Developments
- USS Gerald R. Ford to depart Middle East after being deployed in operations linked to Iran conflict and Venezuela.
- Three US aircraft carriers were simultaneously deployed in region for first time since 2003.
- Long deployment raised concerns over maintenance, readiness, and strain on personnel.
Ford Set to Return to US
The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to leave the Middle East in the coming days following a record-setting deployment of more than 300 days, according to US officials cited by Associated Press.
The carrier is scheduled to return to its home port in Virginia by mid-May, where it will reportedly undergo extensive maintenance and repairs after months of continuous operations.
US Central Command said the carrier continues conducting routine flight operations in the Red Sea while preparations for its departure are underway.
According to the report, the Ford surpassed the previous post-Vietnam War deployment record for a US aircraft carrier earlier this month.
Venezuela and Iran
According to US officials, the deployment included participation in military operations connected to Venezuela as well as the recent war involving Iran.
The carrier was initially deployed to the Mediterranean before being redirected to the Caribbean as part of a major US naval buildup near Venezuela.
It later moved toward the Middle East after US and Israel launched their military aggression on Iran.
Fire and Technical Issues
During its deployment, the carrier experienced a fire in one of its laundry facilities while operating in the Red Sea.
US naval authorities said two sailors were injured in the incident, which forced the vessel to temporarily withdraw for repairs in the Mediterranean.
Reports also noted that parts of the ship became temporarily uninhabitable following the fire, while additional technical issues were reported during the deployment.
The Ford’s deployment coincided with one of the largest US naval buildups in the Middle East in decades.
US officials said the arrival of the USS George H.W. Bush last week brought the number of American aircraft carriers in the region to three, alongside the Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln.
According to the officials, this marked the first time since the 2003 invasion of Iraq that three US carrier strike groups had simultaneously operated in the region.
(PC, AP, Al-Jazeera)
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