In Support of Israel, U.S. Sends Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to Eastern Mediterranean

Latest Developments

The United States announced on October 8 that it is sending the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel. The naval force includes “the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80),” according to a press release by U.S. Central Command. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the Pentagon has “also taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region,” while maintaining the ability to send more forces if required.

Expert Analysis

“The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean signals that the United States has both the political will and military muscle to stand with Israel in its moment of need. The U.S. should use the carrier strike group’s robust capabilities to help deter other actors from launching aggression against Israel, while collecting additional intelligence, sharing it with Israel, and ensuring no additional weapons make it to terrorist groups in Gaza. In the coming weeks, the United States needs to serve as an international firewall for Israel, providing it the time, space, and means needed to defend itself and respond to this horrific terrorist attack.” — Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power

“Israel just suffered a devastating terrorist attack, proportionally equal to six 9/11’s in the number of lives lost. Given that reality, the United States should do all it can to help Israel.” — Ryan Brobst, FDD Senior Research Analyst

Significant Additional Capabilities

In addition to robust strike assets, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group brings significant intelligence collection, command, control, communication, and logistics capabilities that can help Israel. The carrier strike group’s sensors can help detect enemy activity, and its communication suite can relay that information quickly to Israel.

The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier includes Carrier Air Wing 8. That air wing includes, for example, the Airborne Command and Control Squadron 124, which operates the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. This twin-engine aircraft provides airborne early warning, battle management, and command and control capabilities, which could help U.S. forces detect threats, stop weapons shipments to Gaza, and conduct combat operations against enemy forces.

Not the First Time

This is not the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group has been sent to the waters near Israel. The USS George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group participated in the U.S.-Israel Juniper Oak military exercise in January, the largest U.S.-Israel military exercise in history. That exercise will make operational cooperation between Israel and the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group more effective.

Related Analysis

“Israel Under Attack: Iran-backed Terrorists Launch Deadly Surprise War (Media Exclusive),” Mark Dubowitz, Jonathan Schanzer, Bradley Bowman, and Joe Truzman

“With an Eye on Adversaries, the U.S. and Israel Conduct Major Military Exercise,” by Bradley Bowman and Ryan Brobst

“Junipers, Oaks, and Killer Tomatoes,” Podcast (with Transcript) Featuring Bradley Bowman and CENTCOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Gregory Guillot

“Israel Takes the Fight to Hamas,” FDD Flash Brief