Washington, DC — The U.S. Navy’s largest aircraft carrier is preparing to rejoin operations near the Middle East following repairs completed during a brief European port stop.
The USS Gerald R. Ford departed Croatia after a five-day stay in Split, where crews addressed damage caused by a fire in a berthing and laundry area. Navy officials said the vessel is now fully mission-capable and ready to support ongoing operations.
The carrier had temporarily left the region during the repair period but is expected to return to an area of heightened military activity involving Iran. The Navy confirmed that the investigation into the onboard fire remains ongoing.
The Ford Carrier Strike Group was originally deployed to the Middle East in February, joining other U.S. naval forces positioned near Iran ahead of joint military operations with Israel. The carrier group includes aircraft, support ships, and thousands of personnel contributing to aerial and maritime missions.
Additional reinforcements are also underway. The USS George H.W. Bush is reportedly heading toward the region alongside multiple destroyers and more than 6,000 sailors, further strengthening the U.S. presence.
Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta and other commanders met with U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw during the stop, emphasizing continued readiness and coordination.
The Ford has been deployed since mid-2025, operating across multiple regions including the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
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