From the Liveblog of
Friday, February 20, 2026
USS Gerald R. Ford, world’s largest aircraft carrier, enters Mediterranean amid Iran tensions
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, has entered the Mediterranean Sea, according to maritime tracking data.
US President Donald Trump ordered the carrier strike group to the Middle East last week, as he considers whether to take possible military action against Iran.
Maritime tracking websites show that the USS Mahan Arleigh Burke-class destroyer — part of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group — is now crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
It is expected take the aircraft carrier several more days to reach the Middle East and be poised to operate against Iran.
USS GERALD R FORD CVN78 and support heading west through the STROG this afternoon⚓️ #shipsinpics #ships #shipping #shipspotting #naval @YorukIsik @air_intel @WarshipCam @seawaves_mag #navy pic.twitter.com/KzpCXKgm0G
— Daniel Ferro (@Gibdan1) February 20, 2026
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