According to international reports, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, entered the Mediterranean Sea on Friday. This provocative move occurs amidst heightened military deployments ordered by former President Trump.
However, Trump’s decision to extend the Ford’s mission for a second time and send it to the Middle East has left thousands of sailors stranded at sea for what could be nearly a year.As noted by Maariv, this mission extension, as highlighted by sailors and senior U.S. officials, significantly amplifies operational challenges within the U.S. Navy. The carrier has been active at sea since June of last year.
Concerns from Israeli sources regarding the USS Gerald Ford’s operational issues were echoed by retired U.S. General Mark Montgomery, who explained that under normal circumstances, aircraft carrier operations last about six months, with possible extensions if necessary.Montgomery pointed out that the crew of the USS Gerald Ford has been away from home for eight months, and the current mission could become the longest in U.S. Navy history. A U.S. Navy official acknowledged the difficulties associated with extended deployments in an official statement.Furthermore, one sailor serving on the USS Ford revealed that many crew members are frustrated and disheartened, with some contemplating leaving the Navy at the end of their current mission. This sailor expressed feelings of homesickness and uncertainty about returning home if a conflict with Iran were to arise, prompting thoughts of resignation. Captain David Scrocy, the commander of the aircraft carrier, also admitted disappointment regarding the crew’s reluctance to extend their contracts.Moreover, Maariv highlighted the operational pressures and maintenance challenges faced by the USS Gerald Ford. Long deployments can also damage the vessels themselves. Montgomery stated that after eight months at sea, equipment begins to deteriorate, and maintenance and upgrade schedules are delayed, disrupting shipyard plans and impacting the training and upkeep of other vessels.Additionally reports have surfaced regarding issues with the carrier’s internal systems and services. In October 2025 the Pentagon redirected the USS Gerald R. Ford from its scheduled Mediterranean mission to a new assignment in the Caribbean to support U.S. aggressive operations against Venezuela. Since then the carrier has operated without any technical services or returns to the U.S. raising alarms among analysts and military experts.
