Washington - Amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to a press release from US Central Command on Wednesday.
The release further states that the deployed forces in the region include the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) with its eight squadrons of attack and support aircraft. Additionally, it comprises the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), along with the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
In strong support of Israel against Hamas, the United States has also repositioned US Air Force F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s to reinforce existing fighter squadrons in the region.
General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, emphasized, "The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region sends a robust deterrence signal to any party hostile to Israel that may contemplate exploiting this situation."
On October 8, in an official statement from the US Department of Defense, the US Defense Secretary announced, "I have directed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to move to the Eastern Mediterranean. This includes the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80). We have also taken measures to enhance US Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region. The United States maintains globally ready forces to further reinforce this deterrence posture if necessary."
The US Defense Secretary also strongly condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, affirming ongoing communication with Israeli counterparts and assuring full support for the safety of Israeli citizens.
He added, "Reinforcing our joint force posture, in addition to the prompt material support we are providing to Israel, underscores the unwavering US support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people. My team and I will maintain close contact with our Israeli counterparts to ensure they have the necessary resources to protect their citizens and defend against these heinous terrorist attacks."
Concurrently, more than 770 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing airstrikes as part of the counter-offensive. The Israel Defense Forces reported that dozens of Israeli Air Force fighter jets have targeted over 200 locations in the Al-Furqan neighborhood, identified as a hotspot for Hamas activities. This marks the third counterstrike in the area within the last 24 hours, during which 450 targets were engaged.
The IDF has revealed that the Al Furkan neighborhood serves as a hub for Hamas's terrorist activities against Israel.
The Israel Air Force affirmed its commitment to continued robust action against the infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hamas, which threatens Israel. As part of its offensive, the IAF continues to launch extensive waves of attacks in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF also confirmed the arrival of the first plane carrying US armaments at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel. This cooperative effort between the two militaries plays a pivotal role in ensuring regional security and stability during times of conflict.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likened Hamas to ISIS, stating that both terrorist organizations were equivalent and should be treated accordingly. In a post on X, he expressed the severity of the recent attacks and condemned the brutality, emphasizing the need to confront these acts with determination.