The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is being sent to the Eastern Mediterranean, being deployed closer to Israel.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) strike group is being deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean, joining two other U.S. carrier strike groups already positioned near the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. This marks a significant naval buildup as the region faces one of its most intense conflicts in recent years.

The USS Carl Vinson strike group is currently operating in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Nimitz strike group is en route from the Indo-Pacific to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Together, these three carrier strike groups enhance the U.S. Navy’s ability to project power and provide rapid military options in response to the ongoing hostilities.

The deployment comes as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes. Since June 12, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles toward Israel, some breaching air defenses and causing civilian casualties. Israeli forces have retaliated with airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites deep inside Iran, inflicting significant damage on Iran’s missile stockpiles and military infrastructure.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has rejected calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender and warned that any U.S. military involvement would cause “irreparable damage” to the United States. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is weighing options for U.S. involvement, including possible collaboration with Israel on strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, though a final decision has not been announced.

The presence of three U.S. carrier strike groups in proximity to the conflict zone underscores Washington’s strategic intent to support Israel, deter further Iranian aggression, and maintain stability in a volatile region. The USS Gerald R. Ford, as the Navy’s most advanced carrier, brings enhanced capabilities including advanced air wings and missile defense systems, which are critical amid the threat of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

This naval posture also reflects broader concerns about the conflict’s potential to escalate into a wider regional or global confrontation, with allied militias and other actors threatening retaliation should the U.S. formally enter the war. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing missile exchanges and diplomatic efforts continuing alongside military preparations.