The United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is heading back to port after a fire broke out on board while it was deployed in the Red Sea as part of US military operations linked to tensions with Iran. The incident, which occurred in the ship’s laundry area, left at least two sailors with non-life-threatening injuries and forced the navy to temporarily pull the vessel out of active operations. Officials familiar with the situation said the carrier will travel to the naval facility at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for inspection and potential repairs.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet, had been operating in the Red Sea as part of a broader American military presence in the region amid heightened tensions involving Iran. The fire, which was not related to combat, was eventually contained by the crew. U.S. Navy officials confirmed that the ship’s propulsion systems were not affected and that the carrier remains operational despite the incident.
According to defence officials, the carrier will dock at Souda Bay for further assessment following the fire. The facility on Crete is a strategic NATO naval base frequently used by US forces operating in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The carrier had previously stopped at the same port in late February while travelling toward the Red Sea as part of its extended deployment.
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Despite the temporary withdrawal of the carrier from its current position, officials said the broader carrier strike group supporting the USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to continue operations in the region. The strike group typically includes guided-missile destroyers and an air wing composed of fighter jets, airborne early-warning aircraft, helicopters, and logistics planes designed to support naval combat missions.
The deployment of the Ford was initially part of US operations elsewhere, including missions related to Venezuela, before it was redirected to the Middle East amid escalating geopolitical tensions. President Donald Trump ordered the carrier to move closer to the region as the United States expanded its military posture in response to the developing conflict with Iran and security threats in surrounding waters.
The carrier’s current mission has already stretched beyond the typical six-month naval deployment, placing additional strain on both sailors and equipment. Reports have noted that extended tours can affect crew morale and family life, particularly when operational demands require ships to remain at sea longer than planned. The Ford, which carries thousands of personnel and dozens of aircraft, is considered the most expensive warship ever built by the United States Navy and plays a central role in projecting American naval power across the globe.
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