Biggest Aircraft Carrier Gerald R.Ford Sails Close To Russia As A Warning

The entry of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) into the Eastern Mediterranean marks a show of solidarity with NATO allies of America amid the war in Ukraine. The carrier first reached the Mediterranean Sea on 15 June.

The warship visited Oslo earlier in May to show solidarity with the host nation amid extreme tensions between Russia and NATO.

USS Gerald R. Ford Reassures its NATO Allies

The presence at sea all through the deployment is going to reassure partners and allies that the sea lanes stay open, and joint operations demonstrate their commitment to maritime stability and interoperability, per Rear Admiral Greg Huffman, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, in a Navy news release declaring the deployment.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group reportedly operated with partners in the Turkish Navy and Air Force, successfully executing a set of multi-domain exercises before arrival in Antalya, per Rear Adm. Erik J. Eslich, the Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, mentioned the operations with Turkey’s Navy.

The exercises further strengthened the bond shared with Turkey and boosted the common understanding of maritime tactics and processes advancing interoperability aims. Besides, collective efforts reinforce the shared goals of enhancing peace and stability in the area.

The carrier engaged in joint exercises with the navy of Greece.

The Ford won’t be able to enter the Black Sea following the 1936 Montreaux Convention that stops capital vessels belonging to non-Black Sea bordering countries from entering.

The Ford has been engaging with NATO allies to the Mediterranean seas from the Arctic seas in a mission of reassurance as well as enduring support, much as we have valued NATO nations’ vessel deployments to the Western Pacific to signal mutual commitment to the security of the western Pacific, per Joe Sestak, a retired vice admiral who had commanded the USS George Washington battlegroup and also served as a respected member of the Congress, informed 19Fortyfive.

The Ford is the third American carrier to enter the Mediterranean since the Russians invaded Ukraine in 2022. It succeeded the USS Harry S. Truman and USS George H.W. Bush in heavy patrol duties in the Mediterranean.

The U.S. Navy also maintaining a carrier in the Mediterranean until April 2023 from December 2021 to deter Russia and keep shipping channels open.
The Ford battle group reached Gökçeada Island of Turkey’s western Çanakkale province named Exercise Sage Wolverine on 13 August. It was observed operating on 21 August with vessels of Turkey’s Navy. It visited Antalya in Turkey last Friday.

A Warning to Russia

The carrier is approximately 500 to 600 miles from the centre of the Black Sea. In an emergency, the Ford can dispatch aircraft that can operate well over the Black Sea and travel near Russia and Ukraine when refuelled by a tanker.

The exercises take place against the backdrop of Russia pulling out from the grain agreement.

Russia has been urged, both publicly and also via different agencies, to rejoin the grain initiative. The ― risk Russia is taking ― is starving other nations ― of much-needed grain they rely on Ukraine for. So, Russia has been urged to rejoin the grain deal to consider honouring its commitment to facilitate a safe passage of grain out of Ukraine and into nations that need it the most.

But there are no U.S. assets within the Black Sea, Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary, informed the reporters during a press conference on 15 August.

Credits: MSN, 19fortyfive.com

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