NEW: USS Gerald R. Ford to Leave Middle East for Repairs After Record-Breaking 10-Month Deployment, Reducing U.S. Carrier Presence

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to depart the Middle East in the coming days for needed repairs and crew rest, concluding a grueling 10-month deployment that has set post-Vietnam War records for continuous operations at sea. The departure, which will temporarily reduce the U.S. carrier presence in the region amid stalled peace talks with Iran, marks a significant moment in the Navy’s strain to maintain a three-carrier presence in the Middle East.

A Record Under Strain
The Ford and its approximately 4,500 sailors left Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on June 24, 2025. As of this week, the deployment has reached 309 days, surpassing the previous post-Vietnam record of 295 days set by the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2020. While the extended presence underscores the U.S. commitment to the region, it has come at a high cost to the ship and its crew, prompting concerns from lawmakers about operational strain and crew welfare.

The carrier has faced significant challenges during its deployment, including:

• Damage and Repairs: The ship sustained damage from a fire in its main laundry area that injured several sailors and destroyed berthing compartments, forcing the carrier to divert to ports in Greece and Croatia for repairs in March.
• Deteriorating Conditions: Congressional representatives have cited reports of “degraded living conditions,” equipment strain, and declining crew morale due to the prolonged high-tempo operations.

Logistical Context for the Departure
While the Ford is heading home, the Navy is moving to backfill its presence. The USS George H.W. Bush recently arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of operations after a month-long transit from Norfolk, crossing the Atlantic and rounding the Cape of Good Hope. This arrival allows for the relief of the Ford, ensuring that a two-carrier presence (the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS George H.W. Bush) remains in the region to enforce the blockade of Iranian ports and conduct strike operations if necessary.

The Ford is expected to return to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, around mid-May, where it will undergo extensive maintenance and its crew will receive much-needed rest.