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THE USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, is diverting from active operations against Iran to undergo temporary repairs at the US naval base in Souda Bay, Crete, following a fire in the ship’s laundry area last week, a US official confirmed.
The carrier, which has been a key platform for American fighter jets participating in the campaign against Iran, remains operational but will be temporarily removed from the region while repairs are conducted.
The fire, which occurred on 12 March while the ship was sailing in the Red Sea, was not combat-related. Two sailors sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.
CNN, on Thursday, cited an US official explaining that the Ford will remain in Crete “for a brief period to conduct repairs,” which will determine which systems can be fixed immediately and which will require attention upon the ship’s return to its home port after deployment.
Other vessels in the Ford Carrier Strike Group will remain in the region and will not accompany the carrier to Souda Bay.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, addressed the incident during a Pentagon briefing, saying, “We’re thinking about the crew there who were injured in the fire. We believe and hope that everyone will be OK and we’re grateful for that.”
The temporary diversion of the USS Gerald R. Ford comes as US forces continue to apply pressure on Iran, particularly in securing safe passage for shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, highlighting both operational challenges and the resilience of US naval assets amid ongoing conflict.
The Pentagon has not issued additional comments regarding the timeline for repairs or the carrier’s return to full operational status. - March 19, 2026
