"USS Gerald R. Ford Returns to US Following Extended Mediterranean Mission Post-Oct. 7 Events"
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier, is returning to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, after an extended deployment in the Mediterranean Sea following Hamas' attack on Israel. The carrier's presence aimed to enhance US regional deterrence and defense posture. Despite its departure, the US maintains a strong naval presence in the region, with the USS Eisenhower remaining, along with other warships and the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to improve maritime security in the southern Red Sea. The US Navy has been actively engaged in defending against Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, including a recent incident where US helicopters sank three Houthi boats in self-defense.