USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) embarked on its first global deployment, sailing from Naval Base Norfolk on Tuesday afternoon.
The aircraft carrier is accompanied by four warships, USS Normandy (CG-60), USS Ramage (DDG-61), USS McFaul (DDG-74) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116).
The deployment of the aircraft carrier will enable new technologies, according to Commander Rick Burgess.
The US Navy has not disclosed the exact areas of operation of the Ford armada during this deployment.
However, several sources say the USS Gerald R. Ford will continue to operate in the Mediterranean Sea, where there is always a US aircraft carrier, from December 2021, ahead of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
"The presence of the aircraft carrier battle group at sea throughout the deployment aims to provide assurance to allies and partners that sea lanes will remain open and joint operations will demonstrate a commitment to interoperability and maritime stability," said Vice Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12.
The Gerald R. Ford CSG includes the personnel and units of CSG 12, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2.
Chevron begins drilling in Cyprus amid Turkish backlash
Chevron begins drilling a $3.6 billion Cyprus gas field as Turkey protests the US move in an area it claims is illegally claimed.
The Aphrodite-3 block will be assessed for the presence of a 4.5 trillion cubic feet natural gas field which is to be exported to Egypt.
The illegal Turkish Cypriot "government" which is controlled by Turkey and is based in the northern part of the island, is strongly protesting the move of the American giant.
The US does not understand the Turkish objections and will continue its operations in Cyprus as normal, keeping in mind the imminent arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its battle group in the region, just in case.
At the same time, the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis, who met with a delegation of TOTAL, in Paris, where he is visiting, will have a meeting with the hydrocarbon companies operating in the Cypriot EEZ.
In his statements he said that "I had a very constructive discussion with the heads of TOTAL, a discussion that focused on two issues".
The French and Americans have their own plans for the island amid moves in the energy sector and this has angered Ankara beyond measure. The question is what will the Turks do next?
The Eastern Mediterranean is already a major hotspot for the global oil and gas sector, with several major discoveries in recent years spurring strategic cooperation in a region that remains a geopolitical flashpoint as Europe and Mediterranean nations work to boost energy their safety.
