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The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest warship, arrived in the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, February 20, 2026, increasing the U.S. Military presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran. The deployment represents the largest American military mobilization in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
- Ultimato: Former President Trump warned Iran to reach an agreement or face “bad things” and suggested a decision regarding potential military action could come within the next 10 days.
- Com Forças Armadas mobilizadas: Reports indicate Trump is considering a limited strike against Iran to pressure the country into a nuclear accord.
The Gerald Ford transited the Strait of Gibraltar – connecting the Atlantic and Mediterranean – on Friday, positioning its air wing of fighter and bomber aircraft, along with missile-equipped destroyers, within range of potential targets in Iran should President Trump authorize an offensive. This present of force adds to a range of strategic options for the Pentagon, including potential strikes from the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, as well as positions in the Indian Ocean and even from U.S. Soil.
Measuring 333 meters in length and 41 meters in width – three times longer than a football field – the USS Gerald Ford is powered by two nuclear reactors, each capable of producing 300MW of energy, allowing the 100,000-ton vessel to travel at 55 km/h.
The ship can accommodate 4,500 personnel and carry over 75 military aircraft, including supersonic F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye command and control aircraft, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is capable of launching up to 220 air strikes per day – one every six minutes.
The USS Gerald Ford is the first in its class and entered service in 2017. The new class of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered supercarriers features several upgrades over the Nimitz-class ships, including a more aft-positioned island offering increased flight operations space, as well as advanced air defense systems and medium-range missiles designed to counter drones.
The USS Gerald Ford surpasses the size, operation, and capabilities of other major aircraft carriers worldwide, including China’s Liaoning (CV 16), Russia’s Admiral Kuznetsov, the United Kingdom’s HMS Queen Elizabeth, and India’s INS Vikramaditya.
