US Sends Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier to Middle East Amid Iran Tensions
February 14, 2026
The Pentagon announced on Friday that it is sending the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East. This move places two US aircraft carriers in the region amid growing tensions with Iran. The Gerald R. Ford is the newest and largest carrier in the US Navy. It was previously operating in the Caribbean and took part in operations in Venezuela earlier this year. President Donald Trump explained the decision by saying, “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it … if we need it, we’ll have it ready.”
US officials said the carrier will take at least a week to reach the Middle East. Once arrived, the Gerald R. Ford will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier, several guided-missile destroyers, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft that have been sent to the region recently. The US last had two aircraft carriers in the Middle East in June last year during strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
With only 11 carriers available, the US Navy’s resources are limited, and their schedules are usually planned well ahead. US Southern Command, responsible for military operations in Latin America, said it remains focused on countering illegal activities in the Western Hemisphere and won’t be affected by this redeployment.
President Trump said this week that sending a second carrier depends on the outcome of talks with Iran. He added, “if they’re not, it’s going to be a bad day for Iran.”
The Gerald R. Ford has been at sea since June 2025 and was supposed to operate in Europe before moving to the Caribbean in November. Carriers usually have nine-month deployments, but these can be extended during high military activity. Navy officials warned that long deployments can hurt ship crew morale.
The administration considered sending another carrier, the Bush, but it’s undergoing certification and would take over a month to arrive. The Ford carries over 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet jets and E-2 Hawkeye early warning planes. It has advanced radar for air traffic and navigation control.
Its escort ships include the guided missile cruiser Normandy and destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt. These ships offer surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare abilities.
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Tags:
Pentagon
Aircraft Carrier
Middle east
Iran Tensions
Gerald R. Ford
Us Navy
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