In a significant move responding to the recent surprise attack by Hamas, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that he has directed the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean. The deployment, consisting of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors, along with cruisers and destroyers, is aimed at providing assistance to Israel in the aftermath of the attack that has resulted in over 1,000 casualties on both sides.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by a fleet of ships and warplanes, is intended to serve as a show of force, ready to respond to various scenarios, including interdicting weapons shipments to Hamas and conducting surveillance. The United States, deeply concerned about the escalating conflict, is taking measures to deter further escalation.
As part of the response, the Biden administration has declared its support for Israel, with the Israeli Government formally declaring war and authorizing “significant military steps” against Hamas. Preliminary reports suggest that at least four American citizens have been killed in the attacks, and seven others are missing and unaccounted for.
The deployed carrier strike group, based in Norfolk, Virginia, was already in the Mediterranean, having conducted naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea the previous week. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest and most advanced U.S. aircraft carrier, is making its first full deployment in this critical mission.
Defense Secretary Austin emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining global readiness, stating, “The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required.” In addition to the military deployment, the Biden administration is expediting the provision of additional equipment and resources, including munitions, to the Israel Defense Forces to support their response to the conflict.
