The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean yesterday to deter any actor seeking to escalate the situation or expand this war. Forces in the area include the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh. Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
Efforts to strengthen the US posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of operations of US Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to reinforce existing fighter squadrons in the region.
“The arrival of these highly capable forces in the region is a strong signal of deterrence should an actor hostile to Israel consider attempting to take advantage of this situation,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.
