U.S. Aircraft Carrier "Ford" Departs Croatian Port
Xinhua News Agency, Zagreb, April 2 (Reporter Ma Zhen) The U.S. Navy's USS Ford nuclear-powered aircraft carrier departed from the port of Split, Croatia, on April 2, with its next destination undisclosed by the U.S. side.
The USS Ford has been anchored in the waters of Split since March 28. According to the U.S. Embassy in Croatia, the USS Ford was on a scheduled visit and for technical maintenance. Croatian media reported on April 2, citing the Split Port Authority, that the USS Ford had left its anchorage in Split port on that day.
The USS Ford was commissioned in 2017 and is the lead ship of the U.S. Navy's latest generation of Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. It has been continuously deployed at sea for about nine months since June 2025, participating in U.S. military operations against Venezuela and Iran. Earlier in March, it was forced to withdraw from the Middle East combat zone due to a fire in the ship's laundry. On March 23, the USS Ford arrived at Souda Bay on the southern Greek island of Crete for short-term maintenance.
During its stay in Split, some Croatian citizens expressed concerns about potential risks to the local area.
USS Gerald R. Ford departed from Split, Croatia on April 2, 2023, after a stay since March 28 for planned maintenance. The U.S. Navy did not disclose the next destination of the carrier, which has been involved in military operations against Venezuela and Iran. Local citizens expressed concerns about potential risks during its presence in the port.
- USS Gerald R. Ford departed from Split, Croatia on April 2, 2023.
- The carrier was docked in Split since March 28, 2023.
- The visit was described as planned maintenance and a routine visit.
- Concerns were raised by local citizens about potential risks during the carrier's stay.
- USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship of its class and has been deployed for approximately 9 months since June 2025.