Overview
- The carrier reported a small fire Tuesday during a Planned Incremental Availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
- Ship and shipyard teams extinguished the blaze quickly, and the Navy says the ship remains operational and on schedule to finish maintenance.
- Three sailors had minor injuries and returned to duty, though Military Times later quoted a Navy statement saying eight were treated.
- The cause and exact location are under investigation, which is a known risk during PIAs when systems are opened for repairs and upgrades.
- The incident follows a March fire on USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea, increasing scrutiny of carrier safety and overall fleet readiness.