USS Gerald R. Ford to Temporarily Return to Port Following Fire During Iran Operations
The U.S. Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to temporarily pull into port after a fire broke out onboard whereas deployed in operations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran, U.S. Officials confirmed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Fire Aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest and largest aircraft carrier in the world, is currently operating in the Red Sea. The ship is anticipated to anchor temporarily in Souda Bay, located on the Greek island of Crete Reuters.
The fire, which broke out on Thursday, took more than 30 hours to extinguish The Recent York Times. It originated in the ship’s laundry section. Approximately 200 sailors were treated for smoke inhalation, and one service member was evacuated from the vessel due to injuries Reuters.
The U.S. Navy initially stated that the fire did not cause damage to the ship’s propulsion system and that the carrier remained fully operational USNI News. Yet, the length of the deployment and the incident itself have raised questions about the ship’s readiness and crew morale.
Deployment and Previous Issues
The USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed for nine months, having previously participated in operations against Venezuela before arriving in the Middle East The New York Times. Prior to the fire, the ship experienced repeated plumbing issues, which reports suggested were intentionally caused by frustrated sailors unhappy with the extended deployment and the ongoing conflict The Week.
The U.S. Has conducted strikes against over 7,000 targets in Iran since operations began on February 28 Reuters.
USS Gerald R. Ford Capabilities
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) carries more than 5,000 sailors and over 75 aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornets. The carrier is equipped with advanced radar systems for air traffic and navigation control. It is supported by ships such as the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser Normandy and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, providing surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.