World's Largest Aircraft Carrier, USS Gerald R Ford, Moves Closer to the Middle East
Concerns about a potential military conflict between the United States and Iran are growing. This is reinforced by the arrival of the USS Gerald R Ford, a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, in the Souda Bay area, on the island of Crete, Greece.
As reported by Gulf News and The Times of Israel via detikNews on Tuesday (24/2/2026), Souda Bay is home to a strategic base for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The bay is a vital location for the US, Greece, and its Western allies in the eastern Mediterranean region.
The USS Gerald R Ford, considered the world’s largest aircraft carrier with a length of 337 meters and a weight of 100,000 tons when fully loaded, is the second aircraft carrier deployed by the US to the Middle East. Previously, Washington had already assigned the USS Abraham Lincoln from Carrier Strike Group 3 to the region, amid increased military assets following recent tensions with Iran.
The deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, from Carrier Strike Group 12, was ordered by President Donald Trump in early February, in an effort to pressure Tehran to reach an agreement in nuclear negotiations. Trump has repeatedly stated that he is considering military options against the Islamic Republic.
The presence of the USS Gerald R Ford in the Greek region was confirmed by photos published by the leading news agency Reuters and several videos circulating on social media. The photos and videos show the USS Gerald R Ford in the waters of Souda Bay, reportedly as part of a stopover to replenish supplies at the US Naval Support Activity base located there.
With its current position, according to Gulf News, the USS Gerald R Ford is only a few hours’ sailing, or about 2,350 kilometers, away from conflict-prone areas such as the Middle East.
After crossing the Atlantic, the $13 billion aircraft carrier, weighing approximately 100,000 tons, will replenish its supplies for a few days before continuing its voyage eastward towards the Middle East. The USS Gerald R Ford will then join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already in the region.
As nuclear negotiations continue, Trump has threatened to attack Iran if the country does not reach an agreement on key issues, starting with its nuclear program. Last week, Trump said he was considering a limited strike if Iran does not reach an agreement.
Amid the evolving situation, the more than 75 fighter jets and advanced systems on board the USS Gerald R Ford can project power throughout the region in a matter of hours.
By “parking” the world’s largest aircraft carrier in Souda Bay, according to Gulf News, the US is sending a clear message to Iran – and to the world – that America is ready.
(apu/apu)