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Ford Carrier Strike Group Moves to Eastern Mediterranean in Light of Hamas-Israel Tensions
WASHINGTON D.C. – Following a distressing attack by Hamas on Israel resulting in over 1,000 casualties, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday the strategic deployment of the Ford carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. This proactive measure comes amidst reports of American citizens being among those affected by the conflict.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s state-of-the-art aircraft carrier, with its 5,000-strong crew and an arsenal of warplanes, will be at the forefront of this initiative. Cruisers and destroyers will join it, showcasing a potent display of force, ready to counter potential threats, including intercepting weaponry destined for Hamas and surveillance duties.
The significant nature of this deployment, bolstered with additional ships and aircraft, underlines the U.S.’s intent to curb the escalation of the conflict. Israel’s recent declaration of war and its resolve to take “significant military steps” against Hamas has further heightened global concerns.
According to preliminary data, the conflict resulted in the death of at least four Americans, with another seven currently unaccounted for. An official, speaking under anonymity, revealed this initial data while emphasizing that the actual count could evolve as more information emerges. It’s believed that most of the affected Americans held dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship.
Supporting the USS Gerald R. Ford are the USS Normandy cruiser and destroyers – USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. The U.S. is also fortifying its presence in the area with the inclusion of Air Force squadrons equipped with F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft.
Highlighting the U.S.’s global stance, Austin mentioned, “The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required.” Additionally, he stated the imminent provision of equipment and resources to the Israel Defense Forces, signaling the start of security assistance.
Interestingly, the carrier strike group, based in Norfolk, Virginia, was already operating in the Mediterranean. Just a week ago, it was actively engaged in naval drills alongside Italy in the Ionian Sea. This marks the carrier’s inaugural full deployment.
In a telephonic conversation, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the gravity of the situation, particularly emphasizing the acts of hostage-taking by Hamas, which included vulnerable groups such as families, children, and the elderly. A White House statement cited President Biden’s call for global unity against such heinous acts and briefed Netanyahu on ongoing U.S. diplomatic measures. He also assured the Prime Minister of further assistance for Israeli forces, emphasizing a collective effort to prevent any adversary of Israel from exploiting the current situation.
