After spending 326 days deployed overseas, the USS Gerald R. Ford returned home to Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday, ending the longest US carrier strike group deployment since the Vietnam War.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was present to greet the crew as the world’s largest aircraft carrier completed its record-setting mission.
Initially operating in the Caribbean, the Ford supported US missions involving anti-drug trafficking operations, interdiction of sanctioned vessels, and activities connected to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The carrier was subsequently sent to the Middle East ahead of the war with Iran, where it participated in combat operations alongside US forces.
The prolonged deployment was not without difficulties. A March 12 fire inside a laundry compartment injured two sailors and caused extensive damage to nearly 100 sleeping berths aboard the ship. The carrier also reportedly experienced major plumbing and toilet-system problems during its time at sea.
