In a powerful demonstration of naval strength and commitment to regional stability, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has completed a historic eight-month deployment in January of this year.
This marked the Ford’s first combat deployment since its commissioning, an extension driven by increased tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The Ford’s commanding officer, Capt. Rick Burgess, lauded the efforts and resilience of his crew in a statement.
“Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably,” Capt. Rick Burgess, the Ford’s commanding officer, said in a release. “Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”
The deployment, which outlasted its original schedule by 76 days, underscored the vessel’s pivotal role in enhancing NATO ally support and conducting deterrence operations.
Throughout its 239 days at sea, the carrier strike group, which included Carrier Air Wing Eight and Destroyer Squadron Two, among others, demonstrated remarkable operational efficiency.
The Ford logged over 17,826 flight hours, carried out 43 replenishments while underway, and navigated more than 83,476 nautical miles without a single mishap. These statistics not only reflect the carrier’s capabilities but also the dedication and expertise of its crew.
As the Ford made its way back to Naval Station Norfolk on January 17, it left behind a notable legacy of support in the volatile Eastern Mediterranean.
Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, the commander of the strike group, commended every member for excelling “during a very challenging deployment,” which showcased the deterrence capabilities of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group.
The carrier’s role in the Mediterranean, however, will not go unfilled. Its departure signals the arrival of other naval assets, including the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship, and its accompanying vessels, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall, all set to ensure continued vigilance and protection in the region.
These warships stand ready to carry on the task of providing a robust American naval presence, with the capability to launch and support both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Marine Corps F-35 vertical takeoff fighter aircraft.
The Ford’s deployment also came at a time when attacks on commercial shipping by Iranian-backed groups were intensifying, threatening the security of vital waterways such as the Red Sea.
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was also positioned in the region, responding to and intercepting attacks by the Houthi forces, highlighting the multifaceted challenges faced by U.S. and allied maritime forces.
Upon its return, the USS Gerald R. Ford will undergo maintenance and prepare for its next phase of operations, with its crew having solidified their experience through extensive operational activities.
The deployment’s extension, while challenging for sailors and their families, proved the might and endurance of the U.S. Navy’s fleet and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding national and international security interests.
Relevant articles:
– Aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford returns home after 8-month deployment, Navy Times, Jan 18, 2024
– USS Ford aircraft carrier returns home after eight-month deployment, CBS News, Jan 17, 2024
– USS Gerald R. Ford returns to Norfolk after first full deployment, WAVY.com, Jan 17, 2024
– The USS Gerald R. Ford Is Returning Home After Extended Deployment Defending Israel, Military.com, Jan 1, 2024