USS Gerald R. Ford Departs Croatia Amid Speculations of Middle East Deployment
USS Gerald R. Ford Sets Sail
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the United States Navy, has departed from Split, as announced by the Navy’s 6th Fleet. The carrier is prepared for full operational deployment to support national objectives across various regions, although its next destination remains undisclosed. Prior to arriving in Croatia, the USS Gerald R. Ford made a stop in Souda Bay, Greece, for repairs following a fire incident in its laundry area. Additional repairs were conducted in Croatia, where the crew had some time off while docked.
Potential Deployment to the Middle East
Speculations About the Carrier's Destination
While the exact course of the USS Gerald R. Ford is not confirmed, there are speculations that it may be heading towards West Asia. The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Gulf region to support operations related to the ongoing conflict in Iran, in collaboration with Israel. The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently stationed in the Arabian Sea, and the Central Command of the US military has indicated ongoing flight operations both day and night.
Additionally, the USS George H. W. Bush has recently departed from Norfolk, heading towards West Asia.
Concerns Over Houthi Attacks
Risks in the Red Sea
If the USS Gerald R. Ford is indeed deployed to the Middle East, it will need to navigate through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels from Yemen, who are supported by Iran, have already engaged in hostilities by launching missile strikes against Israel. Reports suggest that the carrier could be at risk of attacks from these rebels.
The Houthis have previously targeted vessels in the Red Sea, supporting Hamas by attacking over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the loss of four sailors between November 2023 and January 2025. Their assaults ceased following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US between Israel and Hamas in October 2025.