After an extensive 11-month deployment described as the longest since the Vietnam War era, the USS Gerald R. Ford has arrived back at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, bringing 4,600 sailors home.
The $13 billion aircraft carrier now faces a period of significant maintenance work, including critical repairs and improvements to its problematic sewage system that has plagued the vessel.
The Ford’s return on May 16 marks the end of its extended overseas mission, and naval officials are preparing to address the ship’s infrastructure issues during its time in port.
