The U.S. Navy said the carrier reached the naval base to undergo assessment, repairs and resupply. Despite the incident, officials stated that the ship “remains fully mission capable.”
“The port call allows for the ship to undergo efficient assessment, repairs, and resupply. Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group continues its overseas deployment,” the Navy said in a statement.
The fire occurred on March 12 in the ship’s main laundry area while the carrier was operating in the Red Sea. The incident was not related to combat and resulted in injuries to two sailors, who were reported to be in stable condition.
The blaze caused damage to parts of the vessel, including berthing areas, and disrupted onboard living conditions. Reports indicated that around 100 beds were affected by the incident.
The USS Gerald R. Ford had been deployed for nearly nine months after departing Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2025. During that time, the carrier operated in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East as part of evolving U.S. military missions.
In the Middle East, the ship supported operations linked to the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. Its presence contributed to a broader U.S. military posture in the region, alongside other carrier strike groups.
With the Ford now in Greece, the U.S. military currently maintains one aircraft carrier in the conflict area unless another vessel is deployed. The temporary absence may reduce immediate carrier-based capacity in the region.
The deployment has also been marked by technical challenges, including reported issues with onboard systems in addition to the fire. Nevertheless, the Navy has maintained that the carrier remains operational and capable of fulfilling its mission.
The USS Gerald R. Ford continues its overseas deployment as repairs and maintenance activities are carried out. Officials said the work in Crete is intended to ensure the vessel can sustain ongoing operations.
Source: france24.com
