The deployment mission of the US aircraft carrier "Ford" in the Middle East may be extended until May.
On March 16 local time, CCTV reporters learned that the crew of the USS Ford has been informed that their deployment mission is likely to be extended until May, which means its time at sea will reach about a year, double the usual deployment cycle for an aircraft carrier.
According to U.S. crew members and military officials, last week, the crew spent over 30 hours extinguishing a major fire on the USS Ford. The fire broke out on the 12th in the ship's main laundry area. After the fire was extinguished, more than 600 crew members lost their berths and had to sleep on the floor or tables. U.S. Central Command reported that two crew members were treated for "non-life-threatening injuries." Personnel on board reported that several dozen military personnel were affected by smoke inhalation.
The USS Ford is currently in the 10th month of its deployment mission. If the ship has not returned to port by mid-April and continues to remain at sea, it will break the record for the longest single deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier since the end of the Vietnam War. (CCTV reporter Zhu Lei)
The USS Ford's deployment is likely extended until May 2023, following a fire incident on March 12 that affected over 600 crew members. Two personnel were treated for injuries, and many suffered from smoke inhalation. Currently in its 10th month of deployment, the USS Ford may set a record for the longest single deployment since the Vietnam War if it remains at sea past mid-April.
- USS Ford's deployment likely extended to May 2023.
- A fire broke out on March 12, affecting over 600 crew members.
- Two crew members were treated for injuries, and dozens were affected by smoke inhalation.
- The USS Ford is currently in its 10th month of deployment.
- If not returned by mid-April, it will set a record for longest single deployment since the Vietnam War.