The carrier previously visited the Croatian city in October 2025, during which it hosted U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw. Officials said the return highlights continued engagement between the U.S. Navy and local partners.
“The crew is excited to be back in Split for some well-deserved liberty,” said Capt. David Skarosi, commanding officer. “They have accomplished so much since our initial visit in October. We are extremely thankful to the Croatian community for opening their historic and beautiful city of Split to us once again.”
While in Souda Bay, personnel from the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center conducted a repair assessment aboard the ship. Investigations also continued into a fire originating in the ship’s laundry facilities, involving military and federal civilian law enforcement.
Ship personnel and local industry partners supported repairs to seven berthing compartments affected by the fire. Officials said the work was part of broader efforts to restore full operational capability.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, and has since operated across multiple regions, including the Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea. The deployment reflects ongoing U.S. naval operations across a wide geographic area.
Carrier Strike Group Twelve includes the flagship Gerald R. Ford, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). The group is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to support deterrence, economic security, and freedom of navigation.
