USS Gerald R. Ford Set Will Reach Iran Strike Range by Feb 20
U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has entered the Mediterranean via Gibraltar, expected in strike range of Iran by February 20 amid rising tensions.
The U.S. Navy has significantly ramped up its presence in the Middle East as the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, officially transited the Strait of Gibraltar today (Tuesday).
The carrier is now steaming through the Mediterranean, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group already stationed in the region. According to current military assessments, the Ford is expected to reach an operational position within strike range of Iran by February 20, 2026 (Friday).
The deployment marks a sudden shift in the Ford's mission: Previously operating in the Caribbean, the carrier was redirected toward the Middle East around February 12-13. Originally deployed in June 2025, this move likely extends the Ford's time at sea until late April or May 2026.
The dual-carrier presence aims to provide a massive deterrent as tensions between Washington and Tehran reach a breaking point.
The arrival of the Ford comes at a critical juncture. With the Strait of Hormuz facing temporary closures due to IRGC drills and ongoing threats to merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden, the U.S. is positioning its most lethal naval assets to ensure maritime stability and respond to potential Iranian aggression.
Analysts note that the timeline of the Ford's arrival aligns with high-stakes nuclear negotiations, signaling that the U.S. is prepared for a military contingency should diplomacy fail.