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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated October 30, 2019 shows sailors from the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) stand by to receive lines from the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) as it pulls into Naval Station Norfolk. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Nikita Custer via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated December 10, 2020 shows the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) transits the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jackson Adkins via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated May 15, 2020 shows the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) pulls alongside the underway replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) during a replenishment-at-sea in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ruben Reed via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated November 3, 2023 shows the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in formation with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a photo exercise in the East Mediterranean Sea. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Malachi Lakey via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated July 28, 2017 of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 approaches the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) for an arrested landing in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Erik Hildebrandt via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated October 4, 2023 shows the world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) the Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C 550), the Blue Ridge-class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), ITS Ciao Duilio (D 554), ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) transit the Ionian Sea. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated March 26, 2022 shows the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) transits the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jackson Adkins via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated October 29, 2019 shows the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) conducts high-speed turns in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated October 27, 2019 shows he aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated March 22, 2022) shows an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Melvin via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Navy Ending Aircraft Carrier's Middle East Deployment

Handout photo dated August 4, 2020 shows a E-2C Hawkeye attached to the “Greyhawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier will return to its home port, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, ending its deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, which started in support of Israel after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. The nuclear-powered Ford, the Navy's newest carrier with over 4,000 personnel and eight squadrons of aircraft, became a powerful symbol of American support by rushing closer to Israel after the Palestinian militant group's attack. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Riley McDowell via ABACAPRESS.COM

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U.S. sending warships, fighters to Israel: Pentagon chief

STORY: U.S. sending warships, fighters to Israel: Pentagon chief DATELINE: Oct. 9, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:31 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: POLITICS/MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of USS Gerald R. Ford carrier 2. various of flight operations STORYLINE: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday that the Pentagon is sending warships and fighter jets to the Eastern Mediterranean region in a show of support for Israel amid escalating conflicts between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters. Austin said in a statement that he had directed the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which consists of an aircraft carrier, a guided missile cruiser and four guided missile destroyers, to the Eastern Mediterranean. The Pentagon had also "taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region," the defense chief said. He added that the U.S. government "will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, incl

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated March 30, 2019 of Capt. Andrew Olson, F-35 Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs a dedication pass during the Melbourne Air and Space Show in Melbourne, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated July 28, 2015 shows an F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base takes off. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Staci Miller via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated March 2, 2016 shows an F-35A Lightning II from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to MacDill AFB, Fla., about 100 miles off the Gulf Coast after 58th Fighter Squadron's first successful munition employment at a nearby range . The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Hope R. Cronin via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout file photo dated September 1, 2018 of Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Heritage Flight Team pilot and commander, performs a high-speed pass during the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto, ON, Canada. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated February 1, 2019 shows an F-35A Lightning II takes off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated July 13, 2015 shows F-35A Lightning II aircraft receive fuel from a KC-10 Extender from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., , during a flight from England to the U.S. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Madelyn Brown via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated March 26, 2019 shows a pilot from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 421st Fighter Squadron prepares to launch an F-35A Lightning II during night-flying operations at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated May 24, 2019 shows Capt. Andrew Olson, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot, performs over Miami Beach, Fla, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated August 22, 2016 shows 33rd Fighter Wing F-35As taxi down the flightline at Volk Field, Wis., USA, during Northern Lightning. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stormy Archer via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout file photo dated September 13, 2013 of the first F-35A Lightning II to land at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Alex R. Lloyd via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated April 22, 2019 shows an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah flies over the Utah Test and Training Range. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated September 26, 2014 shows Staff Sgt. Chris Hunter, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, refuels Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria’s, U. S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, F-35A Lightning II at a hot pit session during the general’s final qualifying flight Sept. 26 at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA.The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr. via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated July 14, 2011 shows the first U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter aircraft touches down at its new home with the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr. via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated June 30, 2016 shows a U.S. Air Force Airman with the F-35 Heritage Flight team marshalls an F-35A Lightning II to its parking spot on the flightline at RAF Fairford, UK. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jarad A. Denton via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated July 18, 2011 shows the Department of Defense's newest aircraft, the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, taxis in to its new home with the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr. via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated December 4, 2018 shows an F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron awaits permission to taxi as an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 27th FS takes off in the background at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Thompson via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated June 12, 2018 shows F-35A Lightning II test aircraft assigned to the 31st Test Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., released AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X missiles at QF-16 targets during a live-fire test over an Air Force range in the Gulf of Mexico.The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. US Air Force via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated March 9, 2017 shows a 33rd Fighter Wing F-35A takes off to conduct sorties at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo/Kristin Stewart via ABACAPRESS.COM

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US Fighter Jets Capable Of Carrying Nuclear Weapons To Be Deployed In UK

Handout photo dated July 14, 2011 shows the Air Force’s first joint strike fighter pilot, Lt. Col. Eric Smith of the 58th Fighter Squadron, looks at the monitor in his squadron’s newest aircraft, the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II, after flying the aircraft to its new home at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, USA. The UK media reports that two F-35A squadrons have already been deployed and will soon arrive at the US-leased Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath in England. These are low-visibility aircraft designed to deliver tactical nuclear strikes; they are also capable of conducting air-to-air combat tasks and gathering intelligence. Military sources stress that deploying 54 F-35 fighter jets, which will replace the F-15s currently at the air base, is a "significant step" because the F-15s are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons but are less advanced. U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr. via ABACAPRESS.COM