The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier, has docked in the Croatian Adriatic port of Split for essential repairs and maintenance following a nine-month deployment that included operations against Iran and missions in the Red Sea.
The vessel's arrival follows a non-combat fire in its main laundry room on March 12 while operating in the Red Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury. The blaze, which took hours to control, injured three sailors and led to nearly 200 others being treated for smoke inhalation, according to a US official. Approximately 100 sleeping berths were affected.
The carrier had earlier taken part in operations against Venezuela in the Caribbean before its Middle East deployment. It has also experienced plumbing problems during the mission, affecting nearly 650 toilets. The ship made a temporary stop at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete before arriving in Split.
Croatia, a Nato ally of the US, approved the visit earlier this week. The US embassy in Croatia said the carrier would host local officials and key leaders "to reaffirm the strong and enduring alliance between the United States and Croatia."
The USS Gerald R. Ford is staffed by more than 5,000 sailors and carries over 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, along with a sophisticated radar system for air traffic control and navigation.
