Following a five-day repair visit in Croatia, the aircraft carrier is set to continue its mission in the Mediterranean region.
Category: Politics
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, has resumed operations after a five-day repair visit in Split, Croatia, following a fire that disrupted its activities in the Red Sea. The fire, which broke out on March 12 in the ship’s laundry facility, left two sailors with non-life-threatening injuries and damaged the living quarters of approximately 600 crew members.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, the fire was extinguished within hours, but it took about 30 hours to mitigate the aftermath, which included cleaning up water damage and ensuring no flare-ups occurred. The incident forced around 600 sailors to be displaced from their sleeping areas, as slightly more than 100 beds were damaged in the blaze.
Adm. Caudle praised the crew’s swift response to the fire, stating, “They fought that, put it out, and started flying sorties two days after that, so I’m very proud of that crew.” The carrier was engaged in Operation Epic Fury at the time, a military operation aimed at increasing pressure on Iran.
After the fire, the USS Gerald R. Ford was pulled from active duty and sent to the Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete for repairs. During its three-day stay in Crete, the carrier received repairs and refueling. The Navy transferred approximately 1,000 mattresses from the USS John F. Kennedy to accommodate the displaced crew members and collected clothing items for those affected by the fire.
Upon leaving Crete, the USS Gerald R. Ford transited to Split, Croatia, on March 28, where it underwent additional repairs, including fixing seven berthing compartments. The ship is now set to continue its deployment, which began on June 24, 2025, and is expected to extend into a record-breaking 11 months.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has been stationed in the Red Sea since early March, participating in operations that are part of the broader US strategy to deter Iranian aggression. This deployment comes as President Donald Trump announced plans to ramp up military pressure on Iran, stating, “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.” The Pentagon has not disclosed the ship’s next destination following its departure from Croatia.
As the USS Gerald R. Ford prepares to head back into operations, Adm. Caudle expressed concerns about how the focus on the conflict with Iran might impact the Navy’s readiness in other regions. He noted, “The challenge … is how do you buy down risk in other parts of the world, all the resources are focused in one area.”
The carrier, which is part of Carrier Strike Group 12, is regarded as a premier instrument of national power, tasked with deterring aggression and maintaining free and open seas. Prior to its current mission in the Middle East, the USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed in the Caribbean Sea as part of a campaign against drug trafficking from late 2025 until February 2026.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Navy remains committed to ensuring that the USS Gerald R. Ford is fully operational and ready to support national objectives. The carrier's crew, now back on board and resuming their duties, are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the Mediterranean.
The USS Gerald R. Ford's ability to return to action so quickly after the fire demonstrates the resilience and dedication of its crew. As they navigate the complex geopolitical environment of the region, their readiness will be tested as they engage in operations that are increasingly important for US interests abroad.
With the carrier's deployment extending into its eleventh month, the strain on personnel and equipment is undeniable, but the Navy asserts that its sailors are well-prepared for the demands of their service. Adm. Caudle remarked on the extraordinary nature of this deployment, emphasizing that “sailors that are doing this, this is what they signed up for.”
As the USS Gerald R. Ford prepares for its next mission, it remains a key player in the US Navy's efforts to maintain stability and security in the region, underscoring the importance of naval power in contemporary military strategy.