During the 326-day mission, the USS Gerald R. Ford supported the United States’ war against Iran and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, returned this Saturday to Norfolk, in the US state of Virginia, after an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War.
During its 326-day mission, the Ford supported the United States’ war against Iran and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.
The most advanced American warship and two accompanying destroyers, carrying about 5,000 sailors, docked at Naval Station Norfolk for the first time since June.
In addition to combat operations and continent crossings, sailors aboard the aircraft carrier faced a non-combat related fire that required lengthy repairs on the Greek island of Crete.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was present at the arrival of the warships.
In recognition of the service provided during the war in Iran, the Ford and the ships accompanying it received the Presidential Unit Citation, for “exceptional performance in action” against “a determined enemy”.
This is the highest decoration a unit can receive, generally reserved for significant achievements in combat.
