ALBAWABA - The Pentagon announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, sent to the Middle East ahead of the war with Iran, returned home to the United States on Saturday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received the largest aircraft carrier in the world in Norfolk, Virginia, upon its arrival after a 326-day deployment in the Middle East, the US military said on X.
The Pentagon wrote, "Over 4,500 warriors from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group—serving aboard the USS Ford, USS Bainbridge, and USS Mahan—have completed a 326-day historic deployment marked by extraordinary endurance and service, including the birth of 76 children during the deployment."
The aircraft carrier also took part in other missions, including U.S. operations in the Caribbean against alleged drug-smuggling boats, and was the one that participated in the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The USS Gerald R. Ford was sent to participate in combat operations against Iran.
This comes amid tension between the United States and Iran and the failure to reach a final ceasefire deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted threatening messages to Iran via his Truth Social account, calling the lack of military action in the Middle East "calm before the storm", amid reports of discussions with his top aides on resuming strikes on Tehran.
