NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — For the thousands of Navy families in Hampton Roads, a long-awaited homecoming has been replaced by a potentially troubling new timeline.
The Navy officially announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is now expected to remain deployed for up to 11 months. It was rerouted to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury.
Navy says USS Gerald R. Ford expected to have extended deployment of 11 months
At a Pentagon briefing Tuesday, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the immense strain this puts on the crew, who departed Naval Station Norfolk back in June.
USS Gerald R. Ford deploys amid tensions in Middle East
“These exceptional Americans rogered up, all supported by their families,” Caine said. “They continue to stand the watch, taking the fight to the enemy over and over again, night after night.”
As the Ford enters its ninth month at sea, the mission has shifted from routine Mediterranean operations to active combat, with U.S. forces striking targets in Iran since late February…