The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, is set to depart the Middle East and return to its home port in Virginia following a record deployment of over 300 days. This deployment was marked by significant military operations related to the ongoing tensions with Iran, which have accumulated an estimated conflict cost of $25 billion. The U.S. Navy has hinted that this withdrawal is part of a broader repositioning amid stalled negotiations with Iran. The carrier has been praised for its historic mission but has also faced challenges, including crew exhaustion.