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USS Gerald Ford Aircraft Carrier Departs Eastern Mediterranean

USS Gerald Ford Aircraft Carrier Departs Eastern Mediterranean

The American news channel "ABC" reported that the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier will leave the Middle East "in the coming days." It is suggested that the departure of the largest warship in the world may reflect U.S. displeasure with the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Ford carrier was sent to the Eastern Mediterranean following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas last October. The Ford is the newest and largest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy and was nearing the end of its first operational deployment when it was redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean the day after the Hamas attack on Gaza border settlements on October 7. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sent the Ford, accompanied by five other ships, to deter Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran from expanding the conflict regionally, stating, "As part of our efforts to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts aimed at expanding this war." In December, Austin extended the carrier's deployment for the third time to maintain this deterrent role amid heightened regional tensions. Two American officials told the "ABC" news network that in "the coming days," the carrier and its accompanying strike group will return to Norfolk, Virginia, as originally planned to prepare for future deployments. One official emphasized that the carrier's return will adhere to this timeline and that even with the departure of the Ford, the United States will still maintain significant military capability and flexibility in the region, including deploying additional cruisers and destroyers in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment on this news when contacted by the news network.

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