US to send 2nd aircraft carrier in Mediterranean amid tensions in Middle East.

According to information published by the White House on October 11, 2023, John Kirby, the NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications, confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, along with its strike group, has been positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. (Picture source: US DoD)

Kirby highlighted the upcoming deployment of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and its strike group to the European Command area, emphasizing their availability for action if necessary. However, he clarified that no final decision has been made regarding stationing a second carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean.

There are two things to remember here:  the deployment of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to Europe was already planned, but has now been brought forward. In addition, John Kirby did not rule out the possibility of deploying it to the Eastern Mediterranean, in addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Context

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, an aircraft carrier stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, is set to deploy to the Mediterranean. This deployment, which involves more than 5,000 sailors, had been scheduled for some time.

The Eisenhower will be accompanied by the Norfolk-based cruiser USS Philippine Sea and destroyer USS Gravely. Another destroyer, the USS Mason, will depart from Naval Station Mayport in Florida. This deployment comes at a critical time, with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalating rapidly.

The U.S. announced the deployment of its newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, towards the eastern Mediterranean. This carrier is accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and several Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.