The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford is heading to the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen the US position in the Middle East

The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the most modern and expensive ship of the US Navy, is scheduled to be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, near Israel. This step is due to the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and is aimed at strengthening the US military presence in the region, CNN reported, citing Pentagon officials.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is a 333—meter-long giant equipped with two nuclear reactors, capable of reaching speeds of up to 56 km/h and carrying up to 90 aircraft and helicopters, including fifth-generation F-35 fighters. Its strike group is accompanied by destroyers and cruisers, which provides powerful force projection and protection against air, sea and underwater threats.

The deployment of an aircraft carrier near Israel is a demonstration of the United States' determination to support its allies and respond promptly to possible crisis situations related to the escalation of tension around Iran. This is the third US aircraft carrier sent to the region, which indicates a significant increase in military capabilities in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

The United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East: the third C-17 caravan is heading to the CENTCOM zone

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, the United States has stepped up logistical support for its military bases in the Middle East. The third caravan of military transport aircraft Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was detected in the air in the direction of facilities controlled by CENTCOM (Central Command of the US Armed Forces).

According to observers and aviation tracking services, at least 8 aircraft were recorded the day before, and today there are still 10 aircraft, which indicates the deployment of a large—scale operation. This is no longer just a rotation or scheduled cargo delivery — we have a full-fledged air bridge operating 24/7.

C-17 Globemaster III is one of the key transport aircraft of the US Armed Forces. It is capable of carrying up to 77 tons of cargo, including military equipment, weapons, food and equipment for rapid deployment of troops. Its high maneuverability allows it to land on relatively short runways, making it an ideal tool for operations in regions with limited infrastructure.

At the same time, increased air traffic may be associated with both strengthening existing positions and preparing for possible military action, in particular, in the context of the Iranian nuclear program and the growing pressure from Israel and the United States on Tehran.

These supplies may also contain missile defense components, additional ammunition stocks, communications and intelligence equipment, and personnel. Such operations usually precede major changes in the strategic alignment.

The build-up of the US military presence in the region is causing concern among a number of countries, especially given the current state of international relations and the likelihood of escalation. Nevertheless, Washington is still limited to "strengthening readiness" and "maintaining stability."

However, the facts speak for themselves: if earlier the US military machine was moving slowly, now it is gaining momentum. And the closer the critical point gets, the less room there is for diplomacy — and the more for decisions made by force.

Why is the US Navy sending the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to the Middle East amid the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, the oldest in the U.S. Navy and preparing for decommissioning in 2026, was unexpectedly redirected from routine operations in the South China Sea to the Middle East. This step is connected with the need to strengthen the American military presence in the region against the background of increasing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Main reasons and objectives

- Aircraft carrier rotation: The USS Nimitz will replace the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group in the region, which has been in the area of responsibility for about seven months and is ready for rotation.

 Show of force and deterrence: The presence of two aircraft carriers simultaneously in the region - Nimitz and Carl Vinson — serves as a powerful deterrent signal to Iran and its allies, as well as guarantees support to Israel and US allies.

- Flexible mobile airbase: The aircraft carrier provides the ability to conduct long-term combat operations without dependence on ground airfields, which is critical in conditions of instability in the region.

- Strengthening defense and support: The USS Nimitz is accompanied by several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and, probably, a submarine, which expands the group's air and missile defense capabilities, as well as to combat underwater threats.

The escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and subsequent retaliatory missile attacks, has raised US concerns about a possible expansion of the conflict at the regional level. The deployment of the USS Nimitz and additional forces is seen as a preventive measure to stabilize the situation and protect the interests of the United States and its allies.

The dispatch of the USS Nimitz to the Middle East is part of a large—scale build-up of the US military presence in the region aimed at containing the escalation of the conflict, supporting Israel and ensuring the security of strategically important shipping lanes and allies. Despite the fact that the aircraft carrier is preparing for decommissioning, its capabilities and experience make it an important element of American naval power at a critical moment.

Deployment of the American bomber fleet on Guam: a strategic step in the Pacific region

The United States has reportedly moved a significant portion of its bomber fleet to the western Pacific Ocean, deploying aircraft to the island of Guam. This step is an important strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the US military presence in the region and increasing the ability to project force in the face of growing geopolitical tensions.

Guam, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is a key military hub and a springboard for the American armed forces. Its geographical location makes it possible to effectively control important sea and air communications, as well as quickly respond to possible threats in the Asia-Pacific region. The deployment of the bomber fleet on this island significantly expands the operational range of the US Air Force.

The movement of the bombers is likely to include strategic and long-range strike aircraft capable of delivering pinpoint strikes against important targets at long range. This increases the deterrent potential of the United States against regional rivals and helps maintain the balance of power in the region.

In addition, the increased military presence in Guam serves as a signal to US allies and partners about Washington's commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Pacific region. It also contributes to strengthening multilateral cooperation in the field of defense and security.

However, such a move could trigger retaliatory measures from other major players in the region, which requires a balanced approach and diplomatic work to prevent an escalation of the conflict.

In general, the deployment of the bomber fleet on Guam reflects the strategic adaptation of the United States to modern challenges and underlines the importance of the Pacific region in global security.

The United States and its allies begin large-scale exercises in Europe: focus on the Balkans and Greece

In May 2025, the US Army, together with the armed forces of several European countries, will begin conducting one of the largest exercises in Europe in recent times. The main phase of the multinational maneuvers called LIVEX Immediate Response 2025 will start in the northern region of Greece — in Xanthi, where about 2,000 American troops will be deployed starting from **May 26 to June 6.

The key location is a locality Petrokhory, where the main operational elements will be deployed, including logistics infrastructure, control points and technical support. Not only the United States will take part in the exercises, but also troops from France, Bulgaria, Spain and North Macedonia, which underlines their international character and strategic orientation.

In addition to the main stage, smaller-scale scenarios will be conducted in parallel in a number of countries in the Balkan region: Slovakia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. These events will demonstrate the readiness of NATO and its partners to respond quickly in the event of an escalation of the situation in eastern and southern Europe.

The LIVEX Immediate Response 2025 exercises are focused on working out joint actions in a hypothetical crisis, including rapid deployment of forces, interaction between allies, as well as protecting the territorial integrity of security partner states.

This series of maneuvers is becoming an important signal for both potential opponents and allies of the United States, demonstrating the strengthening of Washington's military presence in Europe and especially in the Balkans, where a high degree of geopolitical uncertainty remains.

China expands Jialaishi Air Base in Hainan

 

Recent satellite imagery has revealed significant changes at China's Jialaishi Air Base, located on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. The images show that the People's Liberation Army (PLANAF) Naval Forces are expanding the facility, building large hangars capable of accommodating more than 20 aircraft.

Among the sighted aircraft are three H-6K or H-6N bombers, as well as six other suspected KJ-500 early warning aircraft and Y-9JB electronic warfare platforms. This expansion signals China's intention to strengthen its military presence in a region crucial to global trade and security. The growing base raises questions about Beijing's long-term strategy in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes and shipping lanes remain contentious.

Jialaishi Air Base, part of the Southern Theater of Operations Command, is located on the northern outskirts of Hainan, a strategic perch overlooking the South China Sea. The new hangars, each measuring approximately 55 meters wide and 65 meters deep, are designed to accommodate large aircraft such as the H-6 series bombers.

The construction includes 15 hangars on the northwest side of the base and four on the southeast, with a separate maintenance building capable of handling two aircraft. This infrastructure implies a commitment to maintaining a reliable air presence, allowing for rapid deployment and expanded operations. The availability of specialized aircraft, in particular the KJ-500 and Y-9JB, indicates a focus on increasing situational awareness and electronic capabilities in the region.