HMS Queen Elizabeth was supposed to lead a large NATO exercise. The USS Gerald R. Ford returned home on Jan. 17. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to sail closer to Israel the day after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. By Tara Copp, AP
4 months ago With the Osprey out of commission, officials say carriers have other options for ferrying people and supplies on and off the ships. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. By Nancy Benac
5 months ago Early Ford-class maintenance costs are lower than expected, meaning the aircraft carriers could save more than predicted compared to the Nimitz class. The carrier and its armada left the East Coast in May. The Eisenhower’s presence in the region marks the first time a carrier has operated in Central Command’s area of responsibility since 2021. The exercises involved more than 11,000 U.S. personnel who are on station there in case the Israel-Hamas war erupts into a larger conflict. Ike will be the first U.S. aircraft carrier to operate in the Middle Eastern waters of U.S. Central Command since the end of the Afghanistan war in 2021. Load More