US deploys 3rd aircraft carrier to Middle East amid ongoing Iran war: report

The USS George HW Bush carrier strike group has departed Norfolk, Virginia, and is heading to the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, a move that could raise the number of US carriers in the region to three, ABC News reported on Saturday, citing US officials. The USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups remain deployed in support of US operations in the Middle East, according to the broadcaster. Read More: US has fired over 850 Tomahawk missiles at Iran, raising stockpile concerns: report The USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group is being sent to the U.S. Central Command region, where American forces are operating around Iran. It has just completed combat-readiness training, meaning it’s prepared for major operations. Officials say it could join ongoing… pic.twitter.com/sdB8ICM3aC — Clash Report (@clashreport) March 28, 2026 The USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are currently deployed in support of operations in the Middle East. However, the Ford is presently in Crete, undergoing repairs after a recent onboard fire. USS George HW Bush is a Nimitz-class aircraft can hold 50 to 75 aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters and surveillance planes with a maximum speed of 30+knots. The carrier also holds advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. Built by Northrop Grumman, it has been active in service for 20 years.