U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Israel in order to deter any escalation of the situation or widen the war between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) strike group includes eight squadrons of attack and support aircraft: the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Ramage (DDG 61), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
The U.S., however, is considering deploying another aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), near Israel, according to U.S. Defence Department officials. The vessel was already scheduled for its deployment to the Middle East and Mediterranean Sea. It is unclear whether it will accompany the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) has long been scheduled to deploy and operate in the region, DOD spokesperson Lt. Col. Bryon McGarry said in a statement Tuesday. It is known that the ship is scheduled to leave Norfolk Naval Base home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command, on Friday, and it could reach Israel by the end of October if ordered.
The deployment of two Aircraft Carrier strike groups is a clear message to any country with hostile intention to show that Israel’s air defence is now under U.S. protection.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. It has the most advanced aircraft launching and recovery systems to provide fast and secure operation on the deck with less crew.
The U.S. Navy has 11 carrier strike groups.
