The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is set to return home after fulfilling an extended deployment in safeguarding Israel, as announced by the US Navy on Monday.

Having served for an extended period offering protection to Israel, the USS Ford and its accompanying warships will make way for the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship and its escorts, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall. The trio, previously positioned in the Red Sea, has been making its way towards the Eastern Mediterranean over the past few days.

The USS Ford, a cutting-edge 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. These attacks saw a large-scale invasion of southern Israel by thousands of terrorists, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives and the hostage-taking of around 240 individuals.

The deployment of the Ford was part of Washington's response to support Israel and bolster its presence in the region. This move, alongside reinforcement efforts involving the USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships, served as a clear message to Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Throughout its tenure in the Eastern Mediterranean, the carrier and its accompanying vessels intercepted incoming ballistic missiles and attack drones launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen while stationed in the Red Sea.

The US Navy's 6th Fleet, responsible for operations in the Mediterranean, confirmed the impending return of the USS Ford to its home port, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The Defense Department highlighted ongoing collaboration with allies to fortify maritime security in the region, stressing the importance of deterring any potential escalation beyond the Gaza crisis by state or non-state actors.

Amid concerns about the conflict's escalation, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier has been patrolling near the Gulf of Aden. This strategic positioning follows repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region, with recent incidents involving Iranian-backed Houthi small boats attacking the Maersk Hangzhou container ship. In response, helicopters from the Eisenhower and the USS Gravely engaged the attackers, sinking three of the four boats and neutralizing the threat.

These attacks have prompted some companies to halt transits through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

As the USS Ford heads back home, the USS Bataan, accompanied by the Mesa Verde and the Carter Hall, will take up their roles. The Mesa Verde, a transport dock ship, carries around 2,000 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, equipped to support various missions. Meanwhile, the Carter Hall, a dock landing ship, accommodates amphibious landing craft and their crews. Both ships, along with the Bataan, can support rotary aircraft, with the Bataan also capable of hosting and supporting Marine Corps’ F-35 vertical takeoff fighter aircraft.

The imminent return of the USS Ford signifies the conclusion of its mission in the Eastern Mediterranean, while the ongoing presence of allied vessels underscores the commitment to regional stability and security.

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