“Gerald R. Ford remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation,” stated a representative from the U.S. Navy as the aircraft carrier departed Split, Croatia, following crucial repairs.
The USS Gerald R. Ford had been docked in Split after a fire broke out in its laundry and berthing areas, injuring two personnel and affecting around 100 sleeping berths. The incident necessitated immediate repairs, which have now been completed, allowing the carrier to resume its operations.
Since its deployment in June 2025, the USS Gerald R. Ford has been actively engaged across various theaters, including the Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea. This deployment has been one of the longest and most demanding in recent Navy history, lasting approximately nine months.
Equipped with Carrier Air Wing 8, the USS Gerald R. Ford features advanced aircraft such as F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, enhancing its operational capabilities. The carrier has also been a key player in U.S. operations against Iran, particularly since the initiation of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February 2026.
Despite its readiness, the carrier’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) has faced reliability concerns, achieving only 600 cycles between operational failures, significantly below its design requirement of 4,000 cycles. This issue raises questions about the long-term reliability of the system.
The decision to depart Split indicates that the Navy has prioritized immediate operational availability over conducting full maintenance, a choice that reflects the urgency of current geopolitical tensions.
As the USS Gerald R. Ford continues its mission, the Navy remains focused on ensuring its capabilities are fully operational. “Unlike land-based aircraft, carrier aviation can be repositioned without political constraints around basing or overflight rights,” a military expert noted, emphasizing the strategic advantages of carrier-based operations.
Looking ahead, if the timeline set by military leadership holds, the USS Gerald R. Ford may soon enter its planned post-deployment maintenance period. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of the repairs conducted and any underlying maintenance issues that may have been deferred.
