Fire Ravages Trump's $13bn Warship En Route to Crete for Emergency Repairs
The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, is sailing to Crete for urgent repairs following a devastating fire onboard that injured sailors and destroyed hundreds of sleeping quarters. The $13 billion warship, which has been deployed for nine months, also faces significant toilet system failures, compounding operational challenges.
Extensive Damage and Crew Injuries
The fire broke out in the ship's main laundry area and took hours to bring under control. Officials reported that more than 600 sailors lost their beds, forcing them to sleep on floors and tables. Two sailors received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, while dozens suffered smoke inhalation, with nearly 200 treated for smoke-related issues. One service member was evacuated by air for further medical care.
The US military's Central Command confirmed the fire impacted approximately 100 sleeping berths, severely affecting crew morale. Despite the damage, the propulsion plant and aircraft carrier operations remain fully functional.
Toilet System Failures and Deployment Strain
The carrier has reportedly experienced persistent problems with its toilet system, including frequent clogs and long queues. A 2020 US Government Accountability Office report highlighted that the system requires regular acid flushes costing $400,000 each to clear blockages. These issues, combined with the fire damage, have raised questions about the warship's readiness and the strain on its 5,000-strong crew after a lengthy deployment.
The USS Gerald R Ford was initially deployed in October for Donald Trump's operation against Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, before being stationed in the Middle East for the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its third week.
Technical Specifications and Support Fleet
Constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding, the nuclear-powered vessel weighs 97,000 tons and carries over 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornets. It features augmented-reality technology for system insights and sophisticated radar for air traffic control.
The warship is supported by a fleet including the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Normandy and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, equipped with surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Officials, speaking anonymously, did not specify the duration of repairs in Crete. The Pentagon has not commented on the extent of the damage, first reported by The New York Times.
