USS Ford Returns to the U.S. After a 326-Day Deployment
On May 16, the USS Ford aircraft carrier returned to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, USA, concluding an 11-month deployment.
According to U.S. sources, the USS Ford's deployment lasted 326 days, breaking the record for the longest deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. Since last June, the USS Ford has participated in U.S. military operations against Venezuela and Iran.
The extended deployment has also led to fatigue among the USS Ford and its crew, with ongoing malfunctions aboard the ship. It is reported that in 2025, the USS Ford issued 32 maintenance requests for its wastewater treatment system. In March of this year, a fire broke out in the ship's laundry room, injuring three sailors, while over 200 sailors received treatment for smoke inhalation. The USS Ford subsequently had to withdraw from the Middle East theater and made stops in Greece and Croatia for repairs and maintenance.
USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk Naval Base on May 16 after a record 326-day deployment. The carrier participated in military operations against Venezuela and Iran, but faced operational fatigue and equipment failures, including a fire that injured three sailors. Following these incidents, the ship required repairs in Greece and Croatia.
- USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk Naval Base on May 16 after 326 days of deployment.
- This deployment duration set a record for U.S. aircraft carriers since the Vietnam War.
- The carrier participated in military operations against Venezuela and Iran.
- The ship faced operational fatigue and multiple equipment failures during deployment.
- A fire in the laundry room injured three sailors and required the ship to leave the Middle East for repairs.