US deploys largest aircraft carrier 'Gerald Ford' to Red Sea amid ceasefire

The United States has deployed the world's largest aircraft carrier, 'USS Gerald R Ford', to the Red Sea to strengthen its military presence amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Pentagon officials confirmed the information to Associated Press.

According to US defence sources, the carrier departed from the eastern Mediterranean, transited the Suez Canal and entered the Red Sea. It is accompanied by two powerful destroyers equipped with gunpowder and missiles, the 'USS Mahan' and 'USS Winston S Churchill'. The detailed schedule of the operation has not been disclosed for security reasons.

Earlier, the Gerald Ford had been stationed in the Mediterranean for over a month for repairs. A fire in the ship's laundry damaged accommodation for approximately 600 sailors. After completing repairs, it has now been redeployed at full capability. The carrier has also broken the post-Vietnam War record for the longest continuous deployment at sea.

With the arrival of the Gerald Ford, the US now has two active aircraft carriers in the Middle East. The 'USS Abraham Lincoln' is positioned in the Arabian Sea.

Additionally, another carrier, the 'USS George H W Bush', is advancing towards the region after circumnavigating the coast of South Africa. As a result, the US could soon have three powerful carrier strike groups positioned in the Middle East.

According to military analysts, the US has adopted this show of force to maintain its influence in the Red Sea and surrounding waters amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran.

Source: Gulf News, AP