The world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived Monday in Greece, marking a significant stop during its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean and toward the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the flagship of its class and the most advanced carrier in service with the United States Navy, docked at the U.S. naval facility on the island of Crete. The port call is part of its scheduled operations under the command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
According to Greek media reports, the carrier is expected to remain in Souda, Crete, for four days. During that time, it will undergo refueling and replenishment before continuing its mission.
At approximately 333 meters (1,092 feet) in length, the vessel is the largest aircraft carrier in the world. It is capable of carrying more than 75 aircraft and operates with a crew numbering in the thousands. Images published by Greek outlets showed the flight deck populated with aircraft as the ship entered the bay.
NEW: USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) arriving at Souda Bay, Greece
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The arrival comes as the carrier heads toward the Middle East. CNN Greece reported that the deployment follows directives from U.S. leadership amid heightened tensions and deliberations in Washington regarding potential military action involving Iran.
Souda Bay has long served as a strategic logistics hub for U.S. naval forces operating in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The latest visit underscores the base’s continued role in supporting American naval deployments in a region marked by ongoing geopolitical strains.
