Story perspectives

USS Gerald R. Ford Ends Record 295-Day Deployment After Fire

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The USS Gerald R. Ford completed a 295-day deployment—the longest since Vietnam—and took part in operations against Iran and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
A laundry-room fire forced the Ford back for repairs, leaving sailors without sleeping quarters.
Carrier will leave Middle East in the coming days and arrive in Virginia by mid-May.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Southern and Central Command demands made the extended deployment necessary despite tradeoffs.

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Story summary

The USS Gerald R. Ford completed a 295-day deployment—the longest since Vietnam—and took part in operations against Iran and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
A laundry-room fire forced the Ford back for repairs, leaving sailors without sleeping quarters.
Carrier will leave Middle East in the coming days and arrive in Virginia by mid-May.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Southern and Central Command demands made the extended deployment necessary despite tradeoffs.