Satellite images have captured the US aircraft carrier 'Gerald Ford' passing near the northern coast of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea on February 23, 2026. At approximately 12:40 PM Mecca time, the carrier was reported to be sailing southeast, just about 8 nautical miles from Crete’s northern shore. This geographical location is notable as it places the vessel at a critical junction between the eastern Mediterranean and the Suez Canal.

The presence of the carrier in this region cannot be interpreted simply as a routine passage. The Mediterranean Sea, particularly the area surrounding Crete, serves as a strategic holding area that enhances the United States' operational flexibility, allowing it to shift naval forces in various directions within a short timeframe. From this position, the carrier could either navigate towards the eastern Mediterranean, cross into the Red Sea, or continue onto the Gulf, showcasing a range of strategic options available to US military command.

Although the carrier's deployment does not explicitly indicate an imminent military confrontation, it certainly does not rule out such a possibility. The situation remains fluid, with no official indicators of a combat mission or reports of a sudden military redeployment in the Gulf region. The deployment of the 'Gerald Ford' appears to have been planned, positioning it for potential rapid responses without committing to a specific course of action yet, leaving various military options open for consideration.