In light of the continuing escalation between Hamas and Israel, Washington announced that it had decided to deploy two aircraft carriers in the eastern Mediterranean to ensure Israel's security and not expand the escalation. There are 10,000 sailors on board the two carriers. One of them is the largest in the world, and the newest in the United States.

The United States announced the deployment of two aircraft carriers in the eastern Mediterranean as part of “Washington’s firm commitment to Israel’s security and our determination to deter any state or non-governmental entity that seeks to escalate this war.” The United States seeks to prevent further escalation between the Palestinian Hamas movement and Israel. Washington has repeatedly stressed Israel's right to defend itself, stressing that it stands with Tel Aviv.

Ford aircraft carrier

This giant carrier and its supporting ships arrived in the eastern Mediterranean last week. The Ford, which was commissioned in 2017, is the newest aircraft carrier in the United States and the largest in the world, with more than 5,000 sailors on board.

The carrier, which includes a nuclear reactor, can accommodate more than 75 military combat aircraft, including the F-18 Super Hornet and A-2 Hawkeye, which can be used as an early warning system.

It also carries an arsenal of missiles, including the Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, which is a medium-range surface-to-air missile used to confront aircraft, including drones.

Another rotary-frame missile aboard the Ford is used to target anti-ship missiles along with the MK-15 Phalanx Close-In weapon system, which is used to fire armour-piercing bullets.

The Ford carrier is also equipped with advanced radar systems that can assist in air traffic control and navigation.

Ships supporting Ford include the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Normandy and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt. The ships are equipped with surface-to-air, surface-to-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The aircraft carrier Eisenhower

The Pentagon directed the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to move to the eastern Mediterranean. It will take between a week and a week and a half for it to arrive in the area. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which was commissioned in 1977, carried out its first operations during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

The carrier has 5,000 sailors on board and can carry up to nine squadrons of aircraft, including fighters, helicopters and reconnaissance.

As with the aircraft carrier Ford, the Eisenhower is accompanied by other ships such as the guided-missile cruiser Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyers Greeley and Mason.

These ships focus on protecting themselves and the aircraft carrier. While it can carry out offensive operations, it is not suitable to serve as a missile defense system for Israel, which already has advanced systems.

France 24/Reuters