US Deploys USS Ford Strike Group to Assist Israel in Hamas Conflict
By [Name of Journalist or News Agency]
The Department of Defense has reportedly ordered the deployment of the USS Ford Strike Group, the United States’ most advanced nuclear aircraft carrier, to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic militant group Hamas. High-ranking US officials have confirmed that the USS Gerald R. Ford, accompanied by cruisers and destroyers, is set to provide assistance and support to Israel in this critical situation.
Following the recent attack launched by Hamas on Israel, immediate retaliatory airstrikes were conducted by the Israeli military, resulting in the most severe conflict between the two sides in decades. According to Israeli media, the death toll in Israel has surpassed 700, while more than 400 people have been reported killed in Gaza.
Furthermore, preliminary reports received by the US embassy in Jerusalem indicate that between four and seven US citizens, most of whom hold dual American and Israeli citizenship, have either been killed or are missing. These numbers are subject to change as further comprehensive statistics become available.
In response to this dire situation, the United States has made the decision to dispatch additional naval assets to the region. Alongside the USS Ford, both the USS Normandy and Thomas cruisers will be deployed, accompanied by destroyers such as the USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt. Moreover, the US will bolster its fighter squadrons in the area, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft.
Discussing the deployment, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the United States’ commitment to maintaining global military readiness and stated that further enhancements to their deterrence posture would be made if deemed necessary. President Joe Biden’s administration has also pledged to rapidly provide additional equipment and resources, including ammunition, to the Israel Defense Forces, with the first batch of security assistance already en route and expected to arrive within days.
This deployment marks the USS Ford’s full deployment following its recent commissioning as the newest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the US fleet. Stationed at the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, the USS Ford was already in the Mediterranean region at the time of the order.
The White House has confirmed that President Biden has assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the imminent arrival of new military aid, with more to follow in the coming days. The two leaders are also in discussions regarding next steps to ensure that Israel’s adversaries do not perceive this situation as an opportunity to exploit.
Hamas raids Israel The United States moves the USS Ford aircraft carrier strike group to aid Israel. (File photo/AP)
Two US officials said today that the Department of Defense has ordered the US’s newest and most advanced nuclear aircraft carrier, the USS Ford Strike Group, to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to prepare to assist Israel.
The Associated Press reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford, with approximately 5,000 sailors on board and fighter jets parked on its deck, will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force to be ready to respond to any situation and stop the Palestinians from The Islamic militant group Hamas may acquire additional weapons and monitor them.
Hamas attacked Israel yesterday, and Israel immediately launched airstrikes on Hamas strongholds, triggering the most serious conflict between the two sides for decades. Reuters pointed out that Israeli media reported today that the death toll in Israel has exceeded 700, and more than 400 people have been killed in Gaza.
A US official who declined to be named pointed out that according to preliminary reports received by the embassy in Jerusalem, between four and seven US citizens were killed and missing in the incident, in that order. Officials said most, if not all, are dual American and Israeli citizens. At the same time, the numbers may change as more comprehensive statistics follow.
Reports indicate that the United States will send the USS Normandy and Thomas cruisers. Destroyers such as USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt accompanied the Ford. The United States will also expand its F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter squadrons deployed in this region.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement: “The United States maintains global military readiness and will further enhance this deterrence posture if necessary.”
He also said that President Biden’s administration “will quickly provide additional equipment and resources to the Israel Defense Forces, including ammunition. The first batch of security assistance will leave today and arrive within a few days.”
The report noted that this is the first time that the USS Ford, the newest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the United States, has been fully deployed. This aircraft strike group, based at the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, was already in the Mediterranean.
The White House noted today that Biden said that new military aid is on its way to Israel and “more will follow in the coming days.”
The White House said in a statement that Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also “discussing next steps to ensure that Israel’s enemies do not believe they can or should take advantage of the current situation.” (Translator: He Hongru) 1121009
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