The US Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, returns home after months of protecting Israel. After a Hamas attack, the USS Bataan and its cruisers are replacing the carrier strike group, which supported Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean.
USS Gerald R. Ford’s Mission
As a strong military force close to Israel, the USS Gerald R. Ford and its companion warships have been stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean. Based on the attack by Hamas attackers on Israel on October 7, this deployment was made.
As part of its task, the USS Gerald R. Ford and other warships went into the Red Sea and stopped incoming ballistic missiles and attack drones from Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthis.
The carrier strike group’s position in the area made it easier for ships to respond quickly to calls for help. For example, helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier stopped an attack in the Red Sea by Houthi small boats backed by Iran.
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The USS Bataan’s Role
The USS Gerald R. Ford is getting ready to go home, and the USS Bataan and its supporting warships will take its place. The USS Bataan can carry and help with the Marine Corps F-35 attack planes with vertical takeoff.
With the USS Carter Hall, a dock landing ship, and the USS Mesa Verde, a transport dock ship that can carry about 2,000 Marines, the USS Bataan is ready to help with a wide range of tasks in the area.
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