The USS Gerald R. Ford returned to the United States on Saturday after completing a historic 326-day deployment to the Middle East and other operational theaters, according to the Pentagon.
The world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived back in Norfolk, Virginia, where US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally welcomed the crew home. The deployment marked the longest US carrier strike group mission since the Vietnam War.
During its extended deployment, the Ford participated in US operations across the Caribbean, where American forces conducted missions targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels, intercepted sanctioned tankers, and supported operations linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The carrier was later redirected to the Middle East ahead of the conflict with Iran, where it took part in combat operations.
The nearly year-long mission also included operational setbacks. On March 12, a fire broke out in one of the ship’s laundry rooms, injuring two sailors and damaging around 100 berths. Reports additionally indicated the carrier faced recurring issues with its onboard toilet and sewage systems while deployed at sea.
