The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is reportedly heading toward Split after leaving a naval base in Greece earlier than scheduled.
The move comes shortly after Croatia approved the entry of a U.S. nuclear-powered warship into its territorial waters, signalling increased military activity in the Adriatic.
Greek media report that the carrier departed Souda Bay on Crete “urgently,” cutting short planned maintenance. While the vessel had been undergoing repairs following a recent onboard fire, protests against its presence in the region are also believed to have influenced the decision.
Officials are said to have opted for relocation to Split to ensure a calmer environment and more favourable conditions for ongoing technical work.
The U.S. Navy has not yet officially confirmed the updated schedule, but multiple European reports suggest the carrier is already en route to the Adriatic, where it has docked on previous occasions as part of bilateral military cooperation.
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