INTERNATIONAL

Second U.S. Aircraft Carrier Deploys to Middle East

PUBLISHED Feb 11, 2026, 9:08 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Washington — The United States ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford to sail from the Caribbean to join the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, U.S. officials told media. The deployment will place two carrier strike groups in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran as President Donald Trump weighs options and indirect talks proceed in Oman. Officials said the Ford left Norfolk in June and may remain deployed until late April or early May; the Navy has not confirmed final orders. Reports originated from The New York Times, AP and WSJ. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Yusra M. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

June 24: USS Gerald R. Ford left Norfolk and was redirected to the Caribbean.
March 2025: USS Harry S. Truman and USS Carl Vinson both operated in the Middle East.
Late January/early February: USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in West Asia.
Early February: Washington and Tehran held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman.
Feb. 11–13: Multiple outlets report orders to redeploy USS Gerald R. Ford to join USS Abraham Lincoln.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

The U.S. military and allied Gulf states benefit from increased deterrence and operational flexibility provided by deploying a second carrier strike group.