Middle East live: USS Ford returns from Iran war after longest deployment since Vietnam
Middle East live: USS Ford returns from Iran war after longest deployment since Vietnam
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, which was dispatched to the Middle East ahead of the outbreak of the Iran war, returned home to Virginia this weekend after a 326-day deployment, its longest since the Vietnam War. Its latest mission saw military operations in the Caribbean and the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. Follow our liveblog for all the latest updates.
USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier returns home after 326-day deployment
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, dispatched to the Middle East ahead of the outbreak of war with Iran, returned home to the US after a 326-day deployment, the Pentagon said.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was on hand in Norfolk, Virginia to welcome home the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the US military said on X.
It was the longest deployment for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.
The Ford’s deployment saw it take part in US operations in the Caribbean, where Washington’s forces have carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers and seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
It was then dispatched to the Middle East to participate in combat operations against Iran.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the conflict in the Middle East.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)
When does the cycle of retaliation ever actually stop?
Children growing up in conflict zones never stand a fair chance.
All sides need to be held accountable under international law.
History will judge the inaction of world powers very harshly.
The humanitarian toll here is absolutely staggering when you look at the numbers.
Neighbouring countries are bracing for spillover and it’s already happening.
What exactly is the endgame here? Nobody seems to have a clear answer.