The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was stationed off Crete in late February. (AP)
A fire broke out on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) on Thursday, leading to injuries among the crew, though the fire has since been extinguished. The U.S. Navy is still working on damage control, with ongoing support from the Naval Sea Systems Command's regional maintenance center.
Fire on USS Gerald R. Ford
The fire started in the aircraft carrier's main laundry spaces, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. It was quickly contained, and it has been confirmed that the fire was not combat-related. There is no damage to the ship’s propulsion system, and the vessel remains fully operational. Two sailors were injured during the incident but are expected to recover. Their injuries are not life-threatening, and both are stable, receiving medical treatment.
The incident occurred while the USS Gerald R. Ford was operating in the northern Red Sea off the coast of Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia. The ship had recently transited the Suez Canal, alongside its escorts: USS Mahan (DDG-72), USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81).
USS Gerald R. Ford’s Ongoing Mission
The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently part of the U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group, which is participating in Operation Epic Fury. This operation is a U.S.-Israeli military effort against Iran, now entering its second week. The ship has been deployed since June 2025, and its deployment has been extended multiple times. Recently, the Pentagon sent the carrier to the Middle East in preparation for the ongoing conflict with Iran.
If the USS Gerald R. Ford remains deployed until mid-April, it will break the record for the longest post-Vietnam War carrier deployment. That record was set in 2020 by the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) at 294 days. If the USS Gerald R. Ford stays deployed into early May, it will approach the 300-day deployments seen during the Vietnam War.
Historical Significance of USS Gerald R. Ford’s Deployment
This deployment is already notable for its length. The USS Gerald R. Ford is nearing a historic milestone in U.S. naval operations. It could break the record for the longest non-combat deployment since the Vietnam War, potentially setting a new standard for future naval deployments.
In comparison, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was at sea for nearly a year, primarily due to restrictions on movement and limited port visits aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. It was deployed for national tasks for 263 days.
The fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford has been brought under control, with minimal damage to the carrier. The incident did, however, lead to injuries among two sailors, who are receiving care. Despite this, the ship remains operational and continues its critical role in the ongoing military operation in the Middle East. This event highlights both the challenges and achievements of long-term military deployments in uncertain global climates.
