World’s largest US warship exits Middle East after Iran ops, military footprint shrinks
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has left the Middle East after taking part in US operations against Iran, according to a U.S. official on Friday.
Its departure reduces the number of American carrier strike groups in the region from three to two.
Two US carriers still remain
The Ford is now in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility.
Around 20 U.S. Navy ships remain in the Middle East, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush.
The carrier has been at sea for more than 10 months, one of the longest deployments for a modern U.S. carrier in decades.
During that mission, it reportedly operated in the Caribbean and later joined the military buildup linked to the Iran conflict.
Problems at sea
The deployment was not without trouble. A fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the ship in March, injuring two sailors and damaging around 100 beds.
Reports also cited recurring plumbing and toilet system problems during the mission.
Although the United States and Iran are reportedly in an open-ended ceasefire, tensions remain high.
Reports say Iran continues to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. forces maintain pressure through naval operations.
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