The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, dispatched to the Middle East ahead of the outbreak of war with Iran, returned home to the US after a 326-day deployment, the Pentagon said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was on hand in Norfolk, Virginia to welcome home the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the US military said on X. It was the longest deployment for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.
The Ford’s deployment saw it take part in US operations in the Caribbean, where Washington’s forces have carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers and seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. It was then dispatched to the Middle East to participate in combat operations against Iran.
In Lebanon, Israel launched new airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a day after the two countries agreed to extend a truce following talks in Washington.
On Friday, the two countries agreed to extend a ceasefire, which began on Apr 17 but has been marred by numerous violations, by another 45 days.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to conduct strikes in Lebanon, and its forces are occupying territory near the border.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, regularly claims attacks on northern Israel and against the Israeli military in southern Lebanon, including multiple attacks on Israeli forces on Saturday. (AFP)
