US media, citing unnamed officials, reported on 12/2 that the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford had been notified of the warship's imminent deployment, along with its escorts, from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East.

This deployment would make the USS Gerald R. Ford the second US aircraft carrier in the Middle East. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently operating in the Arabian Sea, part of President Donald Trump's administration's strategy to pressure Iran. The Pentagon has not commented on this report.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in the Caribbean Sea on 19/1. *Photo: US Navy*

On 10/2, President Trump announced he was considering deploying additional aircraft carriers to the Middle East. This move would prepare for a potential failure in negotiations with Iran, though he did not specify which vessels.

The USS Gerald R. Ford departed Norfolk, Virginia, in 6/2025, initially bound for Europe. However, it later diverted to the Caribbean Sea to engage in a campaign to pressure Venezuela. On 3/1, fighter jets launched from the Ford participated in a raid that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas.

The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group's deployment has already been extended once, with the crew initially expected home in early 3. A deployment to the Middle East would likely further delay the USS Gerald R. Ford's return to its home port, impacting scheduled repairs and upgrades.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is an American supercarrier, the most expensive warship in the nation's naval history, with a delivery cost approaching 13 billion USD. It can carry 75 aircraft, including F/A-18E/F fighter jets, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft, and various patrol and anti-submarine helicopters.

Its escort group includes destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill, USS Bainbridge, USS Mahan, and USS Forrest Sherman, accompanied by at least one nuclear attack submarine. Each vessel can carry dozens of missiles and is equipped with sensor systems to monitor vast surrounding airspace and sea.

Late last month, President Trump deployed the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, fueled by protest movements in Iran. Both sides began negotiations in Oman last week concerning Tehran's nuclear program. On 12/2, the US President warned Iran would face severe consequences without an agreement.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)