World's Largest Aircraft Carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, Heads to Palma, Mallorca
The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is set to arrive in Palma, Mallorca, from October 3rd to 8th. The visit has sparked political debate and is expected to bring economic benefits to the island.
The last known location of the USS Gerald R. Ford was west of Denmark on September 25th, where it took part in the NATO exercise 'Neptune Strike 25'. The carrier, measuring 337 meters in length, carries 4500 marine soldiers and 90 aircraft, including F/A-18 and F-35 jets. Its arrival in Palma is not unusual, as the conservative ruling party PP has stated that NATO offers security guarantees to Spain and the arrival of US warships is not uncommon.
The visit is expected to boost the local economy, with benefits anticipated for Palma and the entire island of Mallorca. However, it has also caused political turmoil. While some welcome the economic boost, others protest against the military presence. The left-wing party Esquerra Unida has expressed opposition to the visit, describing it as 'undesirable'. A demonstration against the visit is planned for Friday, October 3rd, by the platform Mallorca per la Pau (Mallorca for Peace).
The former Spanish ambassador Josep Pons Irazazába is not surprised by the visit but has concerns that the USS Gerald R. Ford might be on a mission to support Israel in the Gaza conflict. This is not the first time a large aircraft carrier has made a stop in Palma, Mallorca. In recent years, others like the USS Harry S. Truman, HMS Queen Elizabeth, and USS Abraham Lincoln have done so.
The USS Gerald R. Ford's arrival in Palma, Mallorca, is expected to bring economic benefits but has also sparked political debate and protests. While some welcome the visit, others oppose it due to military presence concerns. The carrier's exact mission remains unclear, with speculation ranging from NATO exercises to potential involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
