WASHINGTON: The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the US Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after Oct 7.

The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy’s newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after Oct 7.

“Immediately following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was ordered to the eastern Mediterranean to contribute to our regional deterrence and defense posture,” the Navy said in a statement.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had extended the Ford’s deployment three times in hopes that its presence would deter Iran and Iran-aligned groups, particularly Lebanon’s Hezbollah, from attacking Israel.

“DoD (Department of Defence) will continue to leverage its collective force posture in the region to deter any state or non-state actor from escalating this crisis beyond Gaza,” the Navy said.

The Ford will return to its home base in Virginia.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024