USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier in North Sea waters

August 17 US Navy strike group with atomicUSS Gerald R. FordIt passed through the Straits of Dover and entered the waters of the North Sea. It is the largest and most modern aircraft carrier in the world, serving since 2017, which is part of the 6th United States Fleet.

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Crossing Dover – a signal for allies and potential opponents

Sunday USSGerald R. Fordwith USS missile destroyersMahan, USSWinston S. Churchilland USSBainbridgeHe passed through the Strait of Dover and chose course To the North Sea. According to official U.S. Navy communications, a smooth passage throughChannel La Manchewas evidence of the ability of the United States to free shipping on Europe's most important maritime routes.

The commander of the aircraft carrier, Captain Dave Skarosi, stressed that this demonstration is a confirmation of "the ability to project forces that support peace by force". These words should be read not only as a message addressed to allies but also to Russia, whose activity in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea has been causing concern for the NATO countries for months.

Political context

Moment of AppearanceGerald R. Fordin the waters of the North Sea is not accidental. He followed Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin, in parallel with yesterday's visit by the President of Ukraine to Washington with the participation of leaders of several European states. The presence of the U.S. Task Force has a clear political dimension – it reminds us that the US remains a security guarantor on the Old Continent. The scale of these activities is best seen after logistical protection of the entire fleet of ships.

According to the German Journal «Kieler Nachrichten» in the area also operate supply units –USNS SupplyandUSNS William McLean– which suggests maintainingthe presence of the syndromein northern Europe for a long time.

According to the German newspaper "Kieler Nachrichten" the appearance of logistics units such as USNSSupplyand USNSWilliam McLean, indicates thatpresence of the groupAn aircraft carrier in Northern Europe may take more than a few days.

USS aircraft carrierGerald R. Ford– New generation symbol

USS aircraft carrierGerald R. Ford(CVN-78) is the first aircraft carrier of the new type, whose development is to replace the used Nimitz type units. The ship was launched in 2013, and entered service in 2017. It has been equipped with a number of modern solutions, including EMALS electromagnetic catapulting system and new generation A1B nuclear reactors, providing more power and efficiency.

The aircraft carrier takes on board an aircraft wing composed of several dozen multitasking fighters, early warning machines and helicopters. As a result, it is not only a platform for combat operations, but also a mobile command centre, the power of which covers the entire region.

Demonstration of dominance

The presence of a team of ships fromGerald R. FordIn the North Sea it is a clear demonstration of the ability of the United States to rapidly metastasize and deploy a strong marine component on the sensitive world waters.It's also unambiguous.A signal to Europe that Washington, despite its oceanic distance, remains a real guarantee of stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. Such a maneuver strengthens the deterrence and closes space for overtaking movements of potential opponents. In practice, it means being ready to act here and now, not just being on the map.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz