00:25The USS Gerald R. Ford,
00:27the United States Navy's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier,
00:32has arrived at Sauda Bay on the Greek island of Crete.
00:36Imagery and footage obtained by Reuters show the supercarrier docked at the deepwater port on Monday,
00:43likely refueling and preparing for logistical support as it moves toward the Middle East.
00:49The deployment comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
00:54U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the carrier strike group East earlier this month,
01:00weighing potential military options in response to Iran's disputed nuclear program.
01:05This movement coincides with the next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for Thursday, February 26, in Geneva.
01:15Oman, which has served as a mediator in previous negotiations, confirmed the meeting date.
01:21The USS Gerald R. Ford is a technological marvel.
01:26Equipped with an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, or e-mails, it can support an air wing of 60 to 75
01:34aircraft.
01:35That includes F-A-18 Super Hornets, F-35C Joint Strike Fighters, E-A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets, and
01:46E-2D Hawkeye early warning planes.
01:50Already operating in the region is the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, positioned in the Arabian Sea and Gulf
01:58since January.
01:59The convergence of two nuclear-powered supercarriers in one theater establishes a substantial American naval presence in a strategically sensitive
02:09region.
02:10Although the U.S. Navy has not officially announced the movement, the Gerald R. Ford would typically transit from Sauda
02:18Bay to the Gulf via the eastern Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, a journey of roughly 1,650 nautical miles.
02:27At a sustained 30 knots, the transit would take just over two days, though operational priorities could accelerate or slow
02:35the pace.
02:37Sauda Bay is also seeing a notable buildup of U.S. fighter aircraft and support assets.
02:43Advanced F-22 Raptors, F-35s, and other aircraft have been observed in the area, part of a broader adjustment
02:52of American forces in response to Iran.
02:55Aviation monitoring accounts report that around a dozen U.S. Air Force F-22 fighters recently transited through the United
03:03Kingdom en route to the Middle East.
03:05The presence of two carrier strike groups backed by substantial air and support assets sends a clear signal.
03:14The United States is elevating its military posture.
03:17While diplomacy continues, including ongoing nuclear negotiations, the naval buildup enhances both deterrence and operational flexibility.
03:27The message is unmistakable.
03:30Washington is preparing for all contingencies, maintaining readiness in a volatile region where tensions remain high.
03:37The United States is preparing for all contingencies.
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03:53OneIndia.
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