The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is leaving the Red Sea for repairs at a U.S. Navy base on Crete after a fire in its laundry area last week.
The nuclear-powered carrier, a centerpiece of America's global naval dominance, will head to Souda Bay for more than a week of repairs after the blaze injured multiple sailors and disrupted operations aboard the ship, according to U.S. officials cited by Bloomberg and USNI News.
The fire, which broke out Thursday in the ship's aft laundry facility, triggered a damage-control response that displaced large numbers of crew members and damaged living quarters.
At least one sailor was medically evacuated, while others were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation, officials said.
Despite the incident, the Ford's strike group will continue operating in the region, underscoring the U.S. military's commitment to projecting strength in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran.
The carrier has been a key asset in President Donald Trump's military posture, supporting operations tied to the broader U.S.-Israel campaign against Tehran.
Its deployment, now stretching well beyond the standard six-month timeline, reflects the administration's willingness to sustain pressure on adversaries abroad.
While the Navy has released limited details about the fire, reports indicate the damage was significant.
Hundreds of sailors were temporarily displaced from their sleeping quarters, and portions of the ship's berthing and laundry systems remain out of service, The New York Times reported.
The Navy has scrambled to provide replacement supplies, including mattresses and clothing, as repairs get underway.
The incident also highlights the strain placed on U.S. forces during extended deployments.
The Ford has been at sea for more than 260 days, nearing record territory for post-Vietnam War carrier operations.
Military experts have long warned that such prolonged missions can take a toll on both equipment and personnel.
Still, Pentagon officials have emphasized the resilience of the crew and the ship's continued operational readiness.
"The resiliency and mental grit of our sailors" has enabled the carrier to continue fulfilling its mission, a spokesperson said, USNI News reported.
The Ford, the most expensive warship ever built, carries more than 4,000 personnel and an advanced air wing of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and helicopters.
It has been operating alongside guided-missile destroyers in the Red Sea as part of U.S. Central Command efforts to deter threats and maintain regional stability.
The Times reported that sailors battled the fire for more than a day, reflecting the seriousness of the incident.
While the ship remains operational, the need for repairs underscores that even America's most advanced military platforms require maintenance after sustained high-intensity operations.
As the Ford heads to Crete, another carrier is expected to relieve it, the Times reported.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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