Overview
- U.S. officials say the carrier will pull into Naval Support Activity Souda Bay for more than a week of pierside work while remaining mission capable.
- The March 12 non-combat fire in the aft laundry triggered an extended damage-control effort, displacing roughly 600 crew with about 100 berths directly damaged.
- Nearly 200 sailors were treated for smoke exposure and returned to duty, and three sailors suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including one who was medically evacuated.
- Officials dispute reports that the blaze itself burned for 30 hours, saying the full response and cleanup lasted that long.
- The cause is under investigation, crews are inspecting affected spaces, and the Navy rushed mattresses and clothing to the ship as the strike group continues operations in the region.