USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Split for Post-Combat Repairs and Maintenance

The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived in Split, Croatia for maintenance after a laundry room fire and ongoing plumbing issues.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 10:05 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

Maintenance Triggered by Laundry Room Fire and Technical Failures

The primary driver for the Ford’s maintenance stop is a non-combat fire that broke out in the ship's main laundry room on March 12, 2026, while the carrier was operating in the Red Sea. The fire resulted in injuries to three sailors and required medical treatment for nearly 200 others due to smoke inhalation. The blaze took several hours to suppress and caused extensive damage to approximately 100 sleeping berths. Furthermore, the vessel has been hampered by persistent plumbing issues affecting the carrier's 650 toilets throughout its current deployment.

Context of Global Operations: From the Caribbean to the Red Sea

Before arriving in the Adriatic, the USS Gerald R. Ford played a pivotal role in U.S.-led maritime strategies. It was a central asset in Operation Epic Fury, supporting U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran in the Red Sea. Prior to its Middle Eastern stationing, the carrier was deployed to the Caribbean for operations involving Venezuela. This diverse operational history underscores the ship's role as a primary tool for American power projection across multiple geopolitical theaters.

Strategic Cooperation with NATO Ally Croatia

The carrier’s visit to Split serves a dual purpose of technical recovery and diplomatic engagement. The U.S. Embassy in Croatia stated that the warship will host local officials and key leaders to reaffirm the "strong and enduring alliance" between the two nations. Croatia’s government officially approved the arrival earlier this week, marking a significant moment of regional cooperation. The Ford’s presence in the Adriatic, following a brief stop at Souda Bay in Greece, highlights the strategic importance of Mediterranean and Adriatic ports for U.S. Naval logistics.