The USS Gerald R. Ford, a nuclear-powered supercarrier and the largest of its kind, docked in Souda Bay, Crete, as part of the US Navy's 6th Fleet's scheduled deployment in the Mediterranean. This arrival comes amidst escalating tensions regarding potential military actions by the United States against Iran, heightening the strategic presence of US forces in the region. Accompanying the carrier is the USS Mahan destroyer, with the Ford expected to remain in Greece for four days primarily to refuel before continuing its operations.

During its stay, the USS Gerald R. Ford is positioned to project US military power while ensuring readiness in response to any regional threats, particularly concerning Iran. The ship's recent deployment follows a series of movements within the US Navy, which has recently sent multiple vessels, including another aircraft carrier, into the Middle East, indicating a bolstered military posture as the US prepares for various geopolitical scenarios.

As tensions with Iran persist, the deployment of such significant military assets underscores the US's strategic commitments in the Mediterranean and the broader Middle East region, where the presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying fleet is intended to reassure allies, deter adversaries, and maintain maritime security.