Story perspectives

Ford carrier deployment longest since Vietnam, fire halts laundry

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk, Virginia on May 16, 2026 after an 11-month deployment, the longest since Vietnam.
Families of the 4,500-crew celebrated the return and said the mission exceeded the carrier’s seven-month design limit.
A March laundry-area fire displaced 600 sailors, halting laundry services for weeks while investigators continue.
Admiral Daryl Caudle warned future deployments will stay within the seven-month window, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s praise.

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Story summary

USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk, Virginia on May 16, 2026 after an 11-month deployment, the longest since Vietnam.
Families of the 4,500-crew celebrated the return and said the mission exceeded the carrier’s seven-month design limit.
A March laundry-area fire displaced 600 sailors, halting laundry services for weeks while investigators continue.
Admiral Daryl Caudle warned future deployments will stay within the seven-month window, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s praise.