The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has been deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean to deter other groups or nations from joining the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
This move was ordered by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in response to Hamas’ attacks on Israel.
The U.S. government is concerned that Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon, may join Hamas in attacking Israel.
The presence of the carrier strike group near Israel is intended to serve as a deterrent to Hezbollah and Iran, as well as any other regional proxies that may seek to escalate the conflict.
The deployment is meant to demonstrate strong U.S. support for Israel’s defense. Despite this deterrent effort, there were reports of exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The carrier strike group, which includes the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, USS Roosevelt, and USS Normandy, will remain in the Eastern Mediterranean while the Department of Defense continues to assess the situation between Israel and Hamas.