The U.S. Navy is bolstering its presence in the Middle East with the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, officials confirmed Friday, February 13, 2026. The move comes as Washington seeks to project strength and deter potential escalation in a region facing heightened instability.
According to reports from the Sky News Arabia, the Gerald R. Ford was instructed to head towards the Middle East in the coming days. This will position two U.S. Aircraft carrier strike groups in the area, alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest warship ever built, measuring 337 meters (1,106 feet) in length, 78 meters (256 feet) in width, and 76 meters (249 feet) in height. Its full load displacement reaches 100,000 tons. The carrier is named after the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, a veteran of the Navy and a participant in World War II.
Designed to replace the older Enterprise and Nimitz-class carriers, the Gerald R. Ford-class was commissioned in 2017, though its first deployment didn’t occur until 2023. Construction began in 2008 with Newport News Shipbuilding building the vessel.
The Gerald R. Ford initially departed the United States in 2023 to participate in NATO exercises. However, the outbreak of conflict between Hamas and Israel extended its deployment for over two months, with Washington sending the carrier to the Mediterranean Sea to support Israel and prevent the conflict from widening, according to NPR.
The new class of carrier was designed with cost savings and increased efficiency in mind, operating with a crew of approximately 700 personnel, while accommodating up to 4,540 individuals. It incorporates new technologies to reduce the workload associated with monitoring and maintenance.
The ship is equipped with “SSM” anti-ship missiles, the “RIM” defense system, and three close-in weapon systems of the “MK 15 Phalanx CIWS” type. The nuclear-powered vessel is capable of maintaining high speeds for extended periods, keeping pace with other warships and maintaining operational flexibility.
Powered by two nuclear reactors, the Gerald R. Ford features an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), advanced arresting gear (AAG), and a dual-band radar (DBR). Built as a power generation station, the ship is designed to accommodate new systems, including directed-energy weapons, throughout its 50-year operational lifespan.
The deployment of the Gerald R. Ford underscores the United States’ commitment to regional security and its willingness to respond to evolving geopolitical challenges. The increased naval presence could be seen as a signal to Iran, with whom tensions remain high, and a reassurance to allies in the region.
