SPLIT, Croatia – The massive USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier pulled into Croatia’s Split harbor on Saturday, seeking repairs and maintenance after a fire aboard the vessel injured multiple crew members during Middle East operations.
The world’s largest aircraft carrier experienced a non-combat blaze in its primary laundry facility on March 12 while supporting Operation Epic Fury in the Red Sea, according to military officials. Three sailors sustained injuries in the incident.
Military sources reported that close to 200 additional crew members required medical attention for smoke inhalation problems. The blaze burned for several hours before firefighting teams could extinguish it, and approximately 100 sleeping quarters suffered damage from the incident.
The naval vessel has maintained an active deployment schedule for nine months, including previous missions against Venezuelan targets in Caribbean waters before moving to Middle Eastern operations. Throughout its current deployment, the ship has experienced persistent plumbing malfunctions affecting nearly 650 restroom facilities.
Before reaching Croatia, the Ford made a brief stop at Greece’s Souda Bay facility on Crete. Croatian officials, representing a NATO partner nation, granted permission for the visit earlier this week.
“During its visit, the USS Gerald R. Ford will host local officials and key leaders to reaffirm the strong and enduring alliance between the United States and Croatia,” the U.S. embassy to Croatia said in a statement.
The naval giant carries more than 5,000 service members and houses over 75 military aircraft, including F-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. The carrier features advanced radar technology for managing air traffic control and navigation systems.
