US aircraft carrier heading to Crete for repairs following on-board fire. Eight hours ago. Byline: Jessica Rawnsley, Reuters. US officials report that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, is set to depart the Red Sea for repairs at a US Navy base on Crete following an onboard fire that injured sailors and inflicted substantial damage. The blaze erupted in the laundry facility last week, requiring hours to put out, with authorities confirming pierside repairs ahead. The world’s largest warship has faced multiple issues during its nearly nine-month Middle East deployment, including a prior toilet system failure. Deployed as part of US operations related to the war with Iran, the carrier saw over 200 crew members evaluated for smoke inhalation after the March 2 fire, all later resuming duties. One sailor was medically evacuated in stable condition, and two others received treatment for minor injuries. The incident triggered an extensive damage control effort, with sailors battling the flames for hours to prevent spread. Smoke damage affected sleeping areas, rendering over 100 bunks unusable, per officials. Spare cots have been provided, and extra mattresses and clothing were delivered to the ship following the destruction of its laundry facilities. A US Fifth Fleet spokesperson confirmed the ship is still operational. Investigators are probing the fire’s cause. The Ford is set to sail to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Crete for over a week of repairs, according to a US official who spoke to USNI News, a US Navy-focused outlet. In January, the ship experienced a toilet system failure, with US media reporting backed-up bathrooms and long restroom queues aboard. The Navy confirmed minor problems, quoting the ship’s leadership that “clog incidents are addressed promptly by trained damage control and engineering personnel, with minimal downtime.” Reuters. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has been crucial in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, as its onboard fighter jets have conducted numerous strikes. The $13 billion ship has drawn criticism regarding the duration of its deployment. It was first deployed to the Caribbean amid rising tensions with Venezuela and then sent to the Middle East in February. If it stays at sea past mid-April, it would surpass the post-Vietnam War record for a US aircraft carrier deployment, established in 2020 by the USS Abraham Lincoln, per USNI News. On Tuesday, Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, condemned its extended deployment. “The Ford and its crew have been pushed to the brink after nearly a year at sea, and they have been paying the price for President Donald Trump’s reckless military decisions,” he stated. The New York Times reports it is expected to be relieved by the USS George H.W. Bush. More on this story.
