Another U.S. Navy Flattop Is Heading Home, Ending Extended Deployment

BusinessAerospace & DefenseAnother U.S. Navy Flattop Is Heading Home, Ending Extended DeploymentByPeter Suciu,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Suciu covers trends in the world of aerospace and defense.Follow AuthorMay 28, 2026, 08:53am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70), transit off the coast of Venezuela(U.S. Navy photo)Nearly two weeks ago, the United States Navy’s newest and largest nuclear-powered supercarrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), finally returned to Naval Station Norfolk, ending a nearly 11-month-long deployment. By next week, another U.S. Navy “flattop” could also arrive in Norfolk after a deployment that lasted nearly as long.The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), along with the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, departed from Naval Station Norfolk on August 14, 2025. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group spent nearly the entirety of the last 10 months primarily operating in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.USNI News reported that the LHD-7 and LPD-28 are now heading back to Norfolk. Supporting Operation Southern SpearThe U.S. Navy had initially planned to deploy the group to Europe, but the ARG was forced to return to Norfolk to avoid Hurricane Erin, and then took part in a humanitarian aid mission in the Caribbean.Following the hurricane relief efforts, the ARG remained in the region for a nearly 10-month deployment, heavily focused on counter-narcotics and disrupting illicit trafficking in support of Operation Southern Spear. In early January 2026, the ready group participated in strategic operations in the region, including the U.S. mission that led to the capture of...