US Defense Secretary Austin Makes Surprise Visit to Aircraft Carrier in Middle East

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to meet with sailors who have been ordered to remain at sea to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating into a wider regional war. Austin's visit comes as he presses Israel to shift its bombardment of Gaza to a more limited campaign and address the dire humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians. There are concerns that Israel may launch a military operation along its northern border with Lebanon, potentially widening the conflict. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its crew have been stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean to be closer to Israel since October. Austin thanked the sailors for their sacrifice and acknowledged their role in preventing a wider regional conflict.