The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, has arrived in Croatia’s Adriatic port of Split for repairs and maintenance. The ship, which has been deployed for nine months, was pulled from operations in the Middle East after a non-combat fire broke out in its main laundry room on March 12. The blaze injured three sailors and affected approximately 100 sleeping berths, while nearly 200 others were treated for smoke inhalation. The carrier had been operating in the Red Sea as part of U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran before the incident.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has also faced persistent issues with its sanitation system, including problems with its eco-friendly toilets. The ship’s vacuum collection, holding, and transfer system has required constant maintenance, with frequent clogs and repairs costing at least $4 million. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report noted that the system required 'onerous' day-to-day maintenance, with each 'acid flush' costing about $400,000. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine raised concerns earlier this month about the ship’s 'persistent sewage system failures and inoperable laundry facilities' following its extended deployment.
The carrier, which is staffed by more than 5,000 sailors and carries over 75 military aircraft, had temporarily stopped at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete before heading to Croatia. The U.S. embassy in Croatia stated that the visit would reaffirm the strong alliance between the United States and Croatia. The ship’s withdrawal from operations in the Middle East leaves a gap for U.S. forces in the region, as it had been a key asset in operations against Iran.