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North Sea Today
By the People, for the People
U.S. Navy's Newest Carrier Pushed to Limits on Extended Deployment
USS Gerald R. Ford faces technical issues, crew fatigue, and vulnerability to Iranian missiles during back-to-back missions in Middle East
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's most advanced and expensive aircraft carrier, is being sent back to the Middle East after an extended 230-day deployment, raising concerns about the ship's systems, crew readiness, and exposure to Iranian anti-ship ballistic missiles. The carrier has faced technical glitches with its launch and recovery systems, while the prolonged operations have accelerated wear-and-tear on the ship and aircraft. Experts warn the carrier's extended deployment and potential "double-pump" could overwhelm already strained U.S. shipyards and erode the Navy's surge capacity.
Why it matters
The USS Gerald R. Ford represents the future of U.S. naval power, but its high-tech systems and vulnerability to advanced missiles like those possessed by Iran highlight the growing challenges facing aircraft carriers in modern warfare. A successful attack on the carrier would have major strategic and political consequences, underscoring the need to carefully weigh the risks of deploying such an expensive and critical asset.
The details
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the first of the Navy's new class of aircraft carriers, has been deployed for over 230 days, the third-longest carrier deployment on record. This extended operational tempo has taken a toll, disrupting maintenance schedules and accelerating wear on the ship's systems and aircraft. The carrier's advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) have faced technical issues, though they have reportedly improved since 2025. However, the carrier's defensive systems, including ESSM surface-to-air missiles, RAM missiles, and the Phalanx CIWS, may be insufficient to counter the threat of Iranian anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially aided by Chinese satellite tracking.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed for over 230 days, the third-longest carrier deployment on record.
- The carrier previously conducted operations in the North Sea, Middle East, and off the coast of Venezuela in 2025.
The players
USS Gerald R. Ford
The U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the first of the Ford-class carriers.
Iran
A country that possesses advanced anti-ship ballistic missiles, which could pose a threat to the USS Gerald R. Ford.
China
Suspected of providing satellite tracking capabilities that could aid Iran's anti-ship missile targeting of U.S. carriers.
What’s next
The USS Gerald R. Ford is being sent back to the Middle East, raising concerns about the strain on the ship, its crew, and the U.S. Navy's overall readiness and surge capacity.
The takeaway
The deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford highlights the growing challenges facing U.S. aircraft carriers, as they confront advanced missile threats and the wear-and-tear of extended operations. This underscores the need for the Navy to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of deploying such a valuable and vulnerable asset in an increasingly contested global environment.
