Overview
- The carrier recently wrapped high‑visibility Neptune Strike operations, launching long‑range F/A‑18 sorties from the North Sea to Finland’s Hästö‑Busö range with air‑to‑air refueling.
- U.S. and allied commanders reported Russian reconnaissance aircraft and submarines shadowing the group, with Norwegian F‑35s scrambled and German and French ships supporting situational awareness.
- Local outlets say Mallorca is preparing for a major shore leave with buses booked for transfers and business groups forecasting several million euros in spending by visiting personnel.
- Civic platforms and left‑leaning parties on the island, including Mallorca per la Pau, Més per Mallorca and Podemos, have announced protests against the prospective stop.
- The Gerald R. Ford is described as the world’s largest and most advanced U.S. carrier, featuring EMALS and capacity for up to 90 aircraft, underscoring NATO’s power‑projection and interoperability messaging.