Reuters reported on Wednesday that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin inspected the US aircraft carrier USS Ford, which was sent to the eastern Mediterranean following the October 7 attacks.

According to the agency, Austin considered during the visit that “Israel’s transition from major military operations in the Gaza Strip to more precise operations may ease the regional tension that required keeping the carrier in the region.”

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, carrying more than four thousand people and eight squadrons of aircraft, has become a strong symbol of the American determination to support Israel by pushing it to become closer to its ally after the bloody October attack.

The United States extended the period of Ford's deployment in the region three times, with the aim of deterring Iran and groups allied with it, especially Lebanese Hezbollah, so that they exercise caution before engaging in fighting against Israel, according to the agency.

The Minister of Defense praised the efforts made by the Ford carrier's crew, especially in monitoring the tension between Israel and Hezbollah.

“This carrier and its crew are making history,” Austin said. “Our greatest accomplishments are sometimes the bad things we prevent from happening.”

He added, "At a moment of intense tension in the region, you were all an essential pillar in preventing a broader regional conflict."

He went on to say, "One of our goals is to ensure that the crisis in Gaza does not spill over into a regional conflict. I think we have done a good job in managing that."

Austin made his inspection visit to the aircraft carrier at the conclusion of a Middle Eastern tour that took him to Bahrain, Israel and Qatar.