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USS Gerald R. Ford Deployed to Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is being deployed to the Middle East and will not return until late April or early May, according to anonymous U.S. officials.
This deployment follows President Donald Trump's increased pressure on Iran and was initially planned for Europe before being redirected to the Caribbean.
The Ford's deployment has been extended, impacting its scheduled maintenance in Virginia.
The carrier will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, enhancing military presence in the region.

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Story summary

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is being deployed to the Middle East and will not return until late April or early May, according to anonymous U.S. officials.
This deployment follows President Donald Trump's increased pressure on Iran and was initially planned for Europe before being redirected to the Caribbean.
The Ford's deployment has been extended, impacting its scheduled maintenance in Virginia.
The carrier will join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, enhancing military presence in the region.