The U.S. Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to pull into port temporarily after a fire broke out on board amid its deployment in operations against Iran, U.S. officials said.
The incident comes on the 18th day of the ongoing conflict with Tehran.
The fire occurred in the ship’s main laundry area while the Gerald R. Ford was operating in the Red Sea, where it has been active as part of U.S. military operations against Iran.
Nearly 200 sailors were treated for smoke‑related injuries, and the blaze took several hours to bring under control. About 100 sleeping berths were affected by the smoke during the incident, officials said.
One service member was flown off the carrier for medical treatment, though officials did not detail the extent of the individual’s injuries.
Temporary port visit in Crete
Following the fire, the carrier is expected to sail to Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete for a temporary stop, two U.S. officials told Reuters. The length of the stay has not been disclosed.
The port call will allow inspection of the ship’s condition after the incident, though U.S. military spokespeople have not clarified if extensive repairs are needed.
Extended deployment
The Gerald R. Ford has been deployed for nine months, including prior missions in the Caribbean before being assigned to the Middle East. That extended deployment has prompted questions about the morale and readiness of the crew aboard the carrier.
Despite the fire, U.S. forces have maintained that there was no damage to the ship’s propulsion system and the carrier remains fully operational.
The nuclear‑powered carrier hosts more than 5,000 sailors and is equipped with over 75 military aircraft, including F‑18 Super Hornets. The ship’s advanced radar and air traffic control systems make it a central component of U.S. naval power in the region.
It operates alongside supporting vessels, including guided‑missile cruisers and destroyers equipped for surface‑to‑air, surface‑to‑surface, and anti‑submarine warfare.
Unfolding conflict with Iran
The Ford is part of a broader U.S. military effort that has conducted strikes against more than 7,000 targets since operations against Iran began on February 28.
This deployment represents one of the most significant U.S. naval presences in the region, underscoring the strategic importance of carrier strike groups in ongoing military engagements.
