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5h ago

USS Gerald R. Ford Back on Mission After Repairs as George H. W. Bush Heads to Middle East

The movements point to a sustained U.S. carrier presence to support ongoing strikes on Iran.

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U.S. Sailors conduct routine flight deck operations on the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while underway in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 22, 2026. Gerald R. Ford is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tajh Payne)
Carrier Air Wing 8 F/A-18E Super Hornets attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 37 fly by the world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), during the squadron's in-flight change of command ceremony, August 1, 2025. Gerald R. Ford, a first-in-class nuclear aircraft carrier and deployed flagship of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brianna Barnett)
SPLIT, CROATIA - MARCH 29: A view of the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford arrived in Split as part of a planned visit and technical maintenance after a months-long mission and war operations in the Middle East on March 29, 2026 in Split, Croatia. (Photo by Samir Jordamovic/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The carrier, which left Split on Thursday after a five-day repair and resupply stop, returned to sea with the Navy saying it is ready for full tasking.
  • An NCIS investigation with ATF support is underway into the March 12 laundry-room fire that spread to nearby berthing areas.
  • Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said the blaze paused combat sorties for two days and damaged sleeping spaces that displaced about 600 sailors.
  • The USS George H. W. Bush strike group, which departed Norfolk on Tuesday, is sailing toward the CENTCOM region with three Arleigh Burke destroyers and Carrier Air Wing 7.
  • U.S. officials have indicated three carriers could operate in the region soon, with Abraham Lincoln already in the Arabian Sea and Ford’s extended deployment nearing 11 months that leaders say is straining crews and readiness.