The USS Gerald R. Ford has returned to active operations in the Red Sea under U.S. Central Command, with two defense officials confirming the move.

The deployment comes after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier transited the Suez Canal late last week, signaling a renewed U.S. naval presence in a region facing rising tensions.

Aircraft carrier resumes operations after repairs

Ford departed Split, Croatia, on April 2 following repair work linked to a March 12 onboard fire in a laundry space. The incident caused injuries and internal damage but did not affect propulsion or combat systems.

The ship had spent more than a month at Souda Bay, Greece, before rejoining operational duties.

The aircraft carrier, which measures about 1,106 feet in length and displaces over 100,000 tons, is now fully mission capable. Its return highlights the Navy’s ability to rapidly restore frontline assets even after onboard incidents.

The redeployment also places one of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced warships back into a high-risk operational zone.

Expanded naval presence in Central Command

Ford is not operating alone. It joins the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and the USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group already stationed in the region. The Abraham Lincoln group has been active in the Middle East since January, while Tripoli operates alongside amphibious ships USS New Orleans and USS Rushmore.

In addition, destroyers USS Mahan and USS Winston S. Churchill accompanied Ford through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea. These ships strengthen the strike group’s defensive capabilities, including missile defense and anti-submarine warfare.

A third carrier, USS George H. W. Bush, is also heading toward the Middle East after transiting around the southern tip of Africa, further increasing U.S. naval presence.

Longest deployment in modern era for an aircraft carrier

Ford’s current mission has already broken records. As of Friday, the carrier has been deployed for 297 days, surpassing previous post-Cold War benchmarks. Navy officials have indicated the deployment could extend to about 11 months.

Since leaving Naval Station Norfolk in June 2025, the carrier has supported operations across multiple regions. It first operated in the Caribbean in missions linked to Venezuela before shifting to the Middle East. This extended timeline reflects growing demand for U.S. naval power in multiple theaters.

The ship carries an air wing of more than 75 aircraft, including F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighters, EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft, and E-2D early warning planes. These systems allow sustained air operations, intelligence gathering, and rapid strike capability.

Strategic role in a contested region

Positioning Ford in the Red Sea gives the U.S. immediate reach over key maritime chokepoints such as the Bab el Mandeb Strait and southern approaches to the Suez Canal. This area is critical for global shipping, with large volumes of oil and goods passing through daily.

The carrier’s air wing can conduct continuous missions, from precision strikes to surveillance and defensive patrols. It also supports U.S. and allied naval forces by providing air cover and rapid response options.

Equipped with advanced systems like the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and modern radar suites, Ford can generate higher sortie rates than older carriers. Its accompanying destroyers, using the Aegis Combat System and Standard Missiles, provide layered defense against air and missile threats.

The deployment, as confirmed by officials on Friday, strengthens the U.S. ability to maintain sea control and respond quickly to emerging threats. It also reinforces deterrence by ensuring a constant, high-end naval presence in a volatile environment where drone and missile risks remain high.