Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander of the US Navy's Fleet Forces Command, stated on 14/1 that the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford is an "invaluable asset" for any military action President Donald Trump wishes to undertake.
"However, I will object if that action requires extending the warship's deployment. I will see if something else can be done," he said, seemingly referring to the possibility of the USS Gerald R. Ford's mission being prolonged in preparation for a potential conflict with Iran.
Admiral Caudle did not specify alternative options, but he emphasized that the deployment of over 200 days, with frequent operations in harsh conditions, has negatively impacted the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group. This prolonged operation has disrupted the crew's lives, interrupting previously planned events such as weddings or childbirth.
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Operating at sea longer than anticipated also negatively affects the warships. The US navy has signed contracts with shipyards for the repair of the strike group's warships, including the aircraft carrier. Everything is specifically scheduled and would be severely disrupted if the warships cannot return to port on time.
Operating ships at higher intensity than planned also results in financial losses, as repair costs exceed projections. "Critical components, which would not yet require repair, will need attention if the deployment extends to 8-9 months," Admiral Caudle noted.
Despite these concerns, he stated that the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is always ready to execute any assigned mission. He emphasized that the US navy can "appear anywhere within two weeks". "We are inherently a mobile, expeditionary force, always ready to respond swiftly. If the President needs options in the Middle East, we can develop action plans for him," Admiral Caudle said.
The statement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, linked to a wave of anti-government protests across several Iranian cities. President Trump has, in recent days, repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting Iranian protesters, not excluding the scenario of ordering airstrikes against the Middle Eastern nation.
The US currently has no aircraft carriers in the Middle East. The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group recently participated in an operation to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and is currently in the area of responsibility of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
Pham Giang (Source: War Zone)
