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7h ago

USS Gerald R. Ford Reaches Split for Repairs After Laundry-Room Fire

The stop highlights a repair pause that leaves a gap in U.S. carrier coverage near Iran.

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran in late February following a major US military buildup in the Middle East that included the Ford and another aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln. Both ships -- which have air wings made up of dozens of aircraft -- have played key roles in Iran operations, and the withdrawal of the Ford leaves a gap for US forces in the region. The Ford has been at sea for nearly nine months -- a deployment that has already seen it take part in US operations in the Caribbean, where Washington's forces have carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers and seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. A fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the carrier on March 12, injuring two sailors and causing major damage to some 100 beds, according to the US military. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, departs from Souda Naval Base near Chania on the island of Crete, Greece, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)
A ship carrying supplies to U.S. aircraft carrier "Gerald R. Ford" arrives as the aircraft carrier holds position in front of Split, in the Adriatic Sea, March 28, 2026. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
U.S. aircraft carrier "Gerald R. Ford" holds position in front of Split, in the Adriatic Sea, March 28, 2026. REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
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Overview

  • The carrier, which arrived Saturday in Split, Croatia, is on a scheduled port visit for maintenance following an onboard blaze.
  • The March 12 fire began in the main laundry room while the ship operated in the Red Sea, injuring crew and leading to treatment for nearly 200 sailors for smoke exposure.
  • Smoke damage rendered about 100 bunks unusable and forced hundreds to sleep on decks and tables as the Navy rushed in new mattresses and clothing.
  • The ship paused first at Souda Bay, Crete, for assessment and repairs, and the Navy says it remains operational as investigators probe the cause.
  • Pentagon officials reject President Trump’s claim of an Iranian strike, describing the event as a non-combat fire on a carrier already strained by a nine‑month deployment and chronic vacuum-toilet clogs that require frequent fixes.