With the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the eastern Mediterranean, the US military is poised to provide the appropriate support to Israel and restore stability in the region.

The Ford CSG on October 10 arrived in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, US Central Command said in a statement.

Israel, which suffered a surprise bloody assault by the militant group Hamas on October 7, is conducting operations in and around Gaza, where the militant group is based.

Iran has long provided significant support for Hamas, including weapons and financing.

US officials have voiced concerns about the potential for a wider conflict across the Middle East should Hizbullah and other Iran-backed groups open up new fronts against Israel.

The Ford CSG is a lethal combat force capable of overwhelming and defeating adversaries, including by delivering hundreds of missiles using aircraft, ships and submarines.

It is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2) and assigned destroyers, and USS Normandy (CG-60).

USS Normandy is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) are deployed alongside the Ford.

The carrier can carry up to 90 aircraft, including F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, F-35C Lightning II, SH-60 Seahawk helicopters and unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

The new carrier introduces a number of new technologies, including the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), advanced arresting gear and advanced weapons elevators (AWEs).

The United States has also moved US Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region, according to the statement.

"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla said in the statement.

Unwavering support

The United States has been shoring up military and diplomatic aid to Israel since the start of the conflict.

A second US aircraft carrier will be available to show support for Israel, the White House said October 11.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will be arriving in the Mediterranean soon on a pre-planned mission, "and she certainly will be an available asset if needed," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

US President Joe Biden said earlier on October 10 that he is ready to order extra military forces to the Middle East in the wake of the bloody attack by Hamas on Israel.

"The United States has also enhanced our military force posture in the region to strengthen our deterrence," Biden said in a White House speech, referring to the dispatch of the Ford CSG to the eastern Mediterranean.

"We stand ready to move in additional assets as needed."

US and world leaders have rallied behind Israel, backing its right to defend itself while also condemning the actions of Hamas.

US officials have been in contact with allies and partners throughout the Middle East and Europe to make clear that the United States unequivocally supports Israel's right to defend itself, the Pentagon said in a statement Monday, reiterating how the United States stands ready to help any ally that needs support.

"We're also making very clear to adversaries or those that might be entertaining entering this conflict to escalate it that they should think twice and not take advantage of the instability," said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

The Pentagon is "surging" support to Israel, including air defense capabilities and munitions, and is working with the US industry to expedite the shipment of military equipment that the Israelis had already ordered.

"We remain in constant, ongoing contact with our counterparts in Israel to determine, and then support, their most urgent requirements," Austin said. "The bottom line is we are working as fast as possible to provide critically needed munitions of various types and other equipment."