The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, arrived back at its home port in Virginia on Saturday after an unprecedented 11-month deployment. This marks the longest continuous deployment for a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. During its mission, the carrier supported military operations in the conflict with Iran and played a role in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela.
Homecoming at Naval Station Norfolk
The Ford, along with two accompanying destroyers, docked at Naval Station Norfolk, where approximately 5,000 sailors eagerly awaited reunions with their families for the first time since June. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was present to welcome the crew, commending them for their service. Addressing the crew of the destroyer USS Bainbridge, Hegseth stated, "You didn't just accomplish a mission, you made history. You made a nation proud."
Record-Breaking Deployment
According to the U.S. Naval Institute News, the Ford spent 326 days at sea, surpassing all other post-Vietnam War deployments. The only longer deployments in history are the USS Midway's 332 days in 1973 and the USS Coral Sea's 329 days in 1965. This extended period away from home has raised concerns about the well-being of service members and the strain on the ship's equipment.
Challenges Faced During Deployment
In addition to combat operations, the crew dealt with a non-combat-related fire that originated in one of the carrier's laundry spaces. The fire resulted in hundreds of sailors losing their sleeping quarters and necessitated lengthy repairs while docked on the Greek island of Crete. Despite these challenges, the carrier continued its mission.
Geopolitical Role
The Ford initially departed Virginia in June, heading to the Mediterranean Sea. In October, it was redirected to the Caribbean Sea as part of a significant naval buildup in the region. The carrier participated in the military operation that led to the capture of Maduro in January. Subsequently, as tensions with Iran escalated, the Ford was deployed to the Middle East. It engaged in the early stages of the Iran war from the Mediterranean before transiting the Suez Canal and entering the Red Sea in early March.
Comparison to Previous Deployments
While the Ford's deployment was exceptionally long, the crew of the USS Nimitz was away for 341 days in 2020 and 2021. However, that period included extended isolation periods ashore in the U.S. designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This article was contributed to by Associated Press writers Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin in Washington.
