Second U.S. Aircraft Carrier Ordered to the Middle East

The U.S. military has directed the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, to sail from the Caribbean Sea toward the Middle East, creating a rare two-carrier naval presence in the region as tensions with Iran rise.

U.S. Navy Expands Fleet Presence

The Ford and its escort ships were ordered by U.S. defense officials to reposition to the Middle East, where the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and three guided-missile destroyers have already been operating for over two weeks. The move marks a significant buildup of American naval air power under U.S. Central Command in a period of heightened geopolitical risk.

Military planners say this reinforcement underscores Washington’s strategic shift from previous deployments focused on other global theatres, even as U.S. President Donald Trump publicly emphasizes diplomatic avenues.

Trump Signals ‘Very Traumatic’ Outcome if Talks Fail

President Trump has reiterated warnings to Tehran that failure to secure a new nuclear agreement could have “very traumatic” consequences for Iran. U.S. and Iranian officials held indirect negotiations in Oman last week, but the outcome remains uncertain and diplomatic progress limited.

Trump also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss shared concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities. Netanyahu has advocated for broader concessions, including limits on Iran’s ballistic missile program and curbs on support for militant groups.

Lengthy Deployment Raises Operational Questions

The Gerald R. Ford left Norfolk in June 2025 and has since served extended missions, including Caribbean operations tied to broader U.S. military efforts. Its redeployment to the Middle East is likely to extend this already long tour for its crew. Officials have not specified how long the carrier will remain in the region.