US Extends Deployment of Aircraft Carrier in Mediterranean Amid Israel–Hamas War

Aside from the Ford, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group is also stationed in the Middle East.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, arrives in Halifax on Oct. 28, 2022. Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press via AP

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to remain in the Mediterranean Sea near Israel amid continuing concerns about volatility in the Middle East, according to multiple reports.

It’s the third time the aircraft carrier’s deployment has been prolonged because of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza, USNI News reported.