As the United States continues to bolster its military presence in the Middle East, the USS Gerald R. Ford — the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier — transited the Strait of Gibraltar on February 20, 2026, en route to the eastern Mediterranean. The move comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Stop in Souda Bay for Refueling
Before deploying off Israel’s coast, the Gerald R. Ford is scheduled to dock at Greece’s Souda Bay naval base on Crete for refueling and logistical support. According to zarpanews.gr, the carrier is expected to arrive in Chania on Sunday, February 22, and remain there for four days.
Part of a Broader U.S. Military Buildup
This deployment marks the second aircraft carrier ordered into the region by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already operating in the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, the USS Mahan, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer assigned to the Gerald R. Ford strike group, activated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) while transiting the Strait of Gibraltar — confirming the group’s entry into the Mediterranean Sea.
In addition to naval assets, U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers have reportedly gathered at Souda Bay. Washington is also deploying dozens of fighter jets, airborne early warning aircraft, and other surveillance and combat platforms across the Middle East — part of broader preparations amid concerns over a potential conflict with Iran.
The U.S. aims to increase pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations on its nuclear program.