The attack group of the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford has arrived in the Middle East in recent hours as a deterrent measure in the face of a possible extension of the conflict unleashed by the Hamas terrorist group against the Israeli civilian population this weekend. The Pentagon decided to send the most advanced and modern ship of the US Navy at a time of great uncertainty, when the Israeli army announced that it has 300,000 reservists on the border of Gaza, possibly ready for a ground operation in revenge for the massacre. .by Israelis orchestrated by Palestinian fundamentalist groups.
The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and its accompanying ships were operating in the Mediterranean when the Biden administration redirected them to the Middle East hours after an unexpected and brutal attack launched by the Hamas terrorist militia, which controls the Gaza Strip.
“The arrival of these forces in the region is a strong deterrent signal if any actor hostile to Israel thinks of trying to take advantage of this situation,” said General Erik Kurilla, US commander. Central Command and responsible for Military Operations. in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, previously scheduled to travel to the Mediterranean, will sail from the United States at the end of this week to approach the area.
The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group consists of the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney and USS Roosevelt (DDG-80). The aircraft carrier has an Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile air defense system, a Rolling Airframe Missile anti-aircraft missile system and a Close-In Weapons System close-in defense system.
The USS Ford (worth $12.8 billion) is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that moves 100,000 tons of cargo and is equipped with two nuclear reactors and four axles, giving it the ability to cover long distances that no need to refuel.
The new flagship of the US Navy is 1,100 feet long (335 meters) and 256 feet (76 meters) wide. Up to 5,000 crew members can travel inside. In addition, it can carry 80 aircraft, including fighters (including the F-35C and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet), helicopters and drones.
In addition to repositioning the aircraft carrier group, the Pentagon is also increasing Air Force squadrons with F-35 fifth-generation fighters and F-15, F-16 and A-10, according to a statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd . Austin. “The strengthening of our joint force posture, in addition to the material support we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the unwavering support of the United States for the Israel Defense Forces and the people of Israel,” Austin said in statement.
