The largest military ship in the world docked in Split after a fire in the Red Sea. The USS Gerald R. Ford will undergo extensive repairs and maintenance here before its next mission.
The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, considered the largest military ship in the world, docked in the Croatian port of Split, where it will undergo repairs and maintenance. The ship, which was deployed as part of the US-Israeli operations against Iran, moved to the Adriatic Sea after an incident that affected it during a mission in the Red Sea. A fire that broke out in the main laundry on March 12 injured three sailors and required treatment for nearly 200 other crew members for smoke inhalation. The fire damaged more than 100 beds and took several hours to put out.
- The largest military ship USS Gerald R. Ford anchored in Split, Croatia.
- The aircraft carrier suffered a laundry fire during a mission in the Red Sea.
- The fire injured three sailors and nearly two hundred crew members were affected by the smoke.
- The vessel previously participated in anti-drug operations and the detention of sanctioned tankers.
- Croatia allowed the ship to be repaired in Split as an ally of the United States.
Fire on board
USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been at sea for almost nine months, has participated in several operations during its mission. In the Caribbean, it participated in operations against drug smugglers, the detention of oil tankers under international sanctions, and allegedly also in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, despite its technological sophistication, the ship faced several technical problems, including repeated malfunctions of the toilet system, which the crew complained about.
A technology giant in Split
Carrying more than 5,000 sailors and over 75 aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighters, this modern aircraft carrier is equipped with advanced radar systems for air traffic control and navigation. Before arriving in Croatia, she was temporarily anchored in the Gulf of Souda on the Greek island of Crete. The Croatian government, as a US NATO ally, allowed the ship to dock in Split, providing space for necessary repairs and maintenance.
An important mission continues
The USS Gerald R. Ford is a symbol of American military might and technological progress. Its deployment in various parts of the world emphasizes the strategic role it plays in international operations. Despite the problems she faced during her mission, she remains a key element of the US Navy’s fleet. For several days, the Croatian port of Split became the place where this technological giant is preparing for further challenges.
