The USS Gerald R. Ford’s support of Middle East operations likely is showcasing and testing its cutting-edge technology and capabilities.

Since 2001, the Charles de Gaulle has served as the crown jewel of French military might. It is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier outside the US fleet and has just been deployed in the eastern Mediterranean following the outbreak of the Iran war.

Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford is launching aircraft as U.S. forces fight Iran, putting the carrier at the center of active combat operations.

France deployed the Charles de Gaulle, its flagship aircraft carrier, to the eastern Mediterranean to deter an escalation in the Middle East

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) conducts flight operations in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 4, 2026. (U.S. Navy Video) This work, USS Abraham Lincoln supports Operation Epic Fury,

Although the US Navy has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in active service, only around half are deployed at any given time—with the rest in port or undergoing maintenance.

First spotted by Jared Keller, the author of the Laser Wars newsletter, the photo was published to the military’s image and video database on March 1. It is one of several shots that capture the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln on the opening day of Operation Epic Fury, which began on Feb. 28.