US aircraft carrier leaves Iran operations after onboard fire
USS Gerald R. Ford to undergo repairs in Crete as questions emerge over readiness during ongoing military campaign
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier is being withdrawn temporarily from operations linked to the Iran conflict after a fire broke out on board, raising fresh questions about operational strain during an extended deployment.
A US official said the USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been supporting military action in the region, is sailing to Souda Bay in Crete for repairs following the incident in its laundry area.
The fire, which occurred on 12 March, was described by the US military as non-combat related. Two sailors were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening, and the ship remained operational after the blaze was contained.
Despite that, the decision to move the carrier away from the theatre of operations comes at a sensitive moment. The US is continuing military efforts against Iran, including attempts to counter threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.
The Ford has been a central platform in those operations, with its air wing supporting strikes and patrol missions across the region.
US officials say the stop in Crete is expected to be brief and will allow engineers to assess the extent of the damage and carry out immediate repairs. Any further work may be deferred until the vessel returns to its home port after deployment.
Other ships in the Ford carrier strike group are expected to remain in the region, maintaining the US naval presence while the flagship undergoes maintenance.
The incident has also drawn attention at the Pentagon. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the fire and said the focus remained on the wellbeing of the crew.
“We’re thinking about the crew there who were injured,” he said, expressing hope for their recovery.
The Ford’s deployment has already been unusually long, having begun in mid-2025 before shifting from operations in the Caribbean to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.
Reports suggest the carrier could approach one of the longest deployments for a US Navy vessel in recent decades if it remains at sea through April.
Recent accounts have also pointed to broader strain on the ship, including damage to sleeping areas and disruption to crew accommodation following the fire, as well as earlier maintenance concerns.
While US officials insist the ship remains capable, the temporary withdrawal underscores the logistical and operational pressures facing American forces as the conflict with Iran continues to unfold.
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