Turnover in the Mediterranean: USS Gerald R. Ford Leaves Split While USS George H.W. Bush is En Route from the US

Significant naval movements continue in the Mediterranean basin. The nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), currently the largest warship in the world, has recently departed the port of Split, Croatia, concluding a five-day port visit (March 28 – April 2).

As reported by official US Navy channels, during the visit to the Dalmatian city, the crew enjoyed a rest period (liberty), while the ship completed the routine replenishment and logistical maintenance operations necessary to sustain extended operations at sea. During the stopover, Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG-12), met with the US Ambassador to Croatia, Nicole McGraw, to reaffirm the strike group’s ongoing mission readiness.

The Ford’s Carrier Strike Group—which includes Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), and escort units—has been operating for some time in the US Sixth Fleet’s area of responsibility. It plays a crucial role in deterrence, power projection, and maintaining security and freedom of navigation during an extremely delicate geopolitical phase.

The Changing of the Guard: USS Bush Underway

The Ford’s departure from Split is closely intertwined with another highly significant strategic movement we are currently monitoring. Across the Atlantic, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) has recently sailed from the coast of the United States.

According to US Navy deployment dynamics, it is highly likely that the USS Bush is en route to Europe to relieve (the so-called relief in place) the USS Gerald R. Ford. The Ford has been engaged in a lengthy deployment and is approaching the time for its scheduled return to Naval Station Norfolk.

The imminent arrival of the USS Bush will ensure the seamless operational continuity of a US Carrier Strike Group in the “Mare Nostrum”. This rotation once again confirms the strategic centrality of the Wider Mediterranean for the Pentagon.