Overview

• The USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group arrived in the North Sea on Sunday and are scheduled to begin multinational exercises today.
• The carrier transited the Strait of Gibraltar, circled the Iberian Peninsula and passed through the English Channel on its way north.
• Destroyers from the 2nd Destroyer Squadron and support vessels such as Supply and William McLean are escorting the group, indicating a potential extended deployment.
• Analysts consider the rapid redeployment and large-scale naval presence a clear signal of U.S. resolve to deter Russian actions.
• The Gerald R. Ford is the Navy’s largest and most advanced carrier, measuring 337 meters, powered by two nuclear reactors and capable of launching about 90 aircraft under Carrier Air Wing 8.