by Johnny Franks, Warrior Contributor
The USS Gerald R. Ford, a leading vessel in the Ford-class aircraft carrier fleet, recently had its deployment extended and was repositioned closer to Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean due to increasing tensions between Israel and Hamas. This deployment aimed to protect Israel but also deter the possibility of the conflict widening, especially considering the risk of other actors potentially supporting Hamas and further escalating the situation. Ordered by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, this rapid redeployment highlights the U.S. goal of global readiness for swift military action. This deployment is also consistent with the U.S. strategy of executing retaliatory strikes in the region. Since mid-October 2023, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been subjected to numerous assaults, leading to an enhanced military presence and increased vigilance in these areas. This deployment not only fulfills strategic objectives but also significantly showcases the Ford-class carrier in action, highlighting the advanced operational capabilities and cutting-edge technology of U.S. forces on a worldwide scale.
The Ford-class carriers represent a groundbreaking advancement in naval warfare technology. These carriers, roughly 100,000 tons, are notably larger than their Nimitz-class forerunners but need 500 to 900 fewer crew members due to enhanced automation, thereby cutting maintenance demands by 30%. Crafted for superior efficiency and combat effectiveness, they boast an impressive sortie rate of 160 per day, which can escalate to 220 in critical times, and come equipped with sophisticated weaponry. Notably, they can carry up to 90 aircraft, including cutting-edge F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, significantly boosting U.S. air capabilities in the region. The F-35s augment the strike group’s air-to-air and ground-attack mission capabilities, offering a notable tactical edge. Integrating additional F-35s into the Ford CSG’s air wing not only broadens the scope of potential missions but also reinforces precision strike, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The F-35’s range extends the Ford CSG’s operational reach, with the F-35B variant capable of a combat radius of about 669 miles and the F-35C variant around 760 miles.
The Ford-class carriers also feature the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) by General Atomics, supplanting traditional steam catapults. This system enhances control over aircraft acceleration, reducing stress on the aircraft and pilots, and is adaptable for future manned and unmanned aircraft. The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system, also by General Atomics, uses an electromagnetic motor for the synthetic arrestor cable, decreasing the peak load on aircraft during landing. Additional technological advancements include a sophisticated dual-band radar system and a new nuclear propulsion system, boosting the carriers’ operational efficiency and endurance. These innovations not only quicken operational tempo but also allow the Ford-class to support an expanded array of aircraft, including upcoming drones, thereby widening the U.S. Navy’s tactical and strategic scope.
The deployment of the Ford CSG in the Middle East, including eight squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 8 and various support ships, showcases the U.S. Navy’s technological superiority and underscores the crucial role of Ford-class carriers in worldwide military strategy. Despite the successes, the development of Ford-class carriers is not without controversy. As Congress will soon deliberate another $2.5 billion in requested funding for additional carrier construction, the performance and adaptability of the USS Gerald R. Ford in its current deployment, a real-world wartime scenario, will be under intense scrutiny in the coming weeks and months.
Johnny Franks, Warrior Contributor, holds an MA from American University in Foreign Policy and National Security
