The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has entered the Mediterranean Sea

This afternoon, the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) entered the Mediterranean Sea.

Earlier this morning, a pair of US Navy Grumman C-2A aircraft were deployed to NAS Sigonella, anticipating the arrival of the carrier strike group in the Mediterranean.

Also this afternoon, a Boeing P-8A took off from NAS Sigonella and orbited over the Strait of Gibraltar for an extended period as the Carrier Strike Group was entering the Mediterranean.

The aircraft carrier is carrying Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), which includes:

• The “Tomcatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 – F/A-18E – from NAS Oceana, Virginia
• The “Ragin Bulls” of VFA 37 – F/A-18E – from NAS Oceana
• The “Golden Warriors” of VFA 87 – F/A-18E – from NAS Oceana
• The “Black Lions” of VFA 213 – F/A-18F – from NAS Oceana
• The “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 – EA-18G – from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
• The “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 – E-2D – from NAS Norfolk, Virginia
• The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 40 Det. – C-2A – from NAS Norfolk
• The “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 – MH-60R – from NAS Jacksonville, Florida
• The “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 – MH-60S – from NAS Norfolk

The USS Gerald R. Ford is accompanied by the USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) and Destroyer Squadron 2, composed of:

• USS Mitscher (DDG-57)
• USS Mahan (DDG-72)
• USS Bainbridge (DDG-96)

At this time, it is unclear whether the USS Ford will remain in the Mediterranean or continue towards the Red Sea.
It is worth noting that it has been several months since a US aircraft carrier has maintained a prolonged presence in the Mediterranean Sea.