The USS Gerald R Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is set to sail to Crete for repairs after a fire injured sailors and destroyed 100 beds, adding to a series of mishaps during a marathon deployment that has reportedly sapped crew morale. The $13bn vessel has been at sea for nearly nine months, currently stationed in the Red Sea to support operations against Iran.
Officials speaking anonymously said nearly 200 sailors were treated for smoke-related injuries when the fire broke out in the main laundry area. The blaze took hours to control, affecting roughly 100 sleeping berths. One service member was flown off the ship with injuries. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The carrier, crewed by over 4,000 sailors, has also faced significant problems with its toilet system, with reports of clogged systems and long queues for restrooms. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report noted the system was subject to frequent clogging, requiring acid flushes costing $400,000 each. The Navy acknowledged the issues but said clogs are addressed promptly.
Senator Mark Warner criticised the extended deployment, stating the crew has been pushed to the brink. The withdrawal of the Ford will leave a gap in US forces in the region, though it may be relieved by the USS George HW Bush. The carrier has conducted strikes against Iran since operations began on 28 February, targeting over 7,000 sites.
