US military tensions escalate as world's largest aircraft carrier is ordered to stay put in Mediterranean amid conflict with Hamas
This marks the third extension of the USS Gerald R. Ford's mission, which, according to AP, signifies the US's sustained worries about regional instability due to the ongoing war in Gaza. In recent years, the US rarely maintained two aircraft carriers in this vicinity, underscoring the gravity of the current situation.
6:14 PM EST, December 16, 2023
The Pentagon boosted its military presence in the region following Hamas attacks on October 7. This step is intended to deter Iran from escalating the war into a regional conflict. Since then, Iran-funded fighters in Iraq and Syria have regularly attacked US military installations in these countries using rockets, drones, and missiles.
AP reported that as of Friday, the region hosted 19 American warships, consisting of seven in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea and 12 others strategically positioned from the Red Sea, en route the Arabian Sea, up to the Persian Gulf.
Leaving the USS Gerald R. Ford – the US Navy's newest aircraft carrier – in the region was decided after the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated on Thursday that it may take several months to debilitate Hamas. As emphasized by AP, this suggests a possible prolonged war.
World's largest aircraft carrier
The aircraft carrier - USS Gerald R. Ford - currently stands as the largest of its kind in service. It spans nearly 1,115 feet in length and around 135 feet in width. The ship's displacement surpasses 100,000 tons. Despite its enormous size, it can reach speeds of approximately 34 miles per hour (30 knots) and is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors.
The USS Gerald R. Ford primarily holds the most recent machinery owned by the United States, including F-35 fighter jets and dozens of drones. Moreover, the aircraft carrier possesses ample onboard space to house a crew of over 4,500 people.
The mentioned ship is also outfitted with avant-garde electromagnetic catapults. These have taken the place of the steam solutions used in older models, facilitating a higher frequency of takeoffs and landings compared to the predecessors of the USS Gerald R. Ford.
