USS Gerald R. Ford Returns to Crete for Repairs Following Major Onboard Fire and High-Tempo Iran Operations

The USS Gerald R. Ford returns to Crete for repairs following a March 12 laundry fire and sustained combat operations in the Middle East war against Iran.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 7:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Arrival at Souda Bay Amid Regional Conflict

The USS Gerald R. Ford pulled into NATO’s naval facility at Souda Bay on Monday, marking its second visit to the Greek island in less than two months. An AFP photographer confirmed the carrier's presence as it docked for what officials describe as essential repairs and refueling. The ship had previously utilized the base in late February to take on food, fuel, and ammunition before transiting to the Red Sea to support the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military offensive against Iran. This return to port represents a temporary pause in the carrier's primary mission during a period of extreme regional volatility.

Impact of the March 12 Laundry Facility Fire

The ship’s withdrawal from the Red Sea follows a major fire that broke out in its main aft laundry spaces on March 12, 2026. While the U.S. Navy initially stated the fire was contained and that the ship remained fully operational, subsequent reports from the New York Times revealed the blaze lasted more than 30 hours. The fire was not combat-related and is believed to have started in a dryer ventilation duct. Although only two sailors were reported to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, one service member was medically evacuated, and over 200 others were treated for smoke inhalation.

Widespread Damage to Habitability and Crew Berthing

Beyond the immediate fire zone, the incident caused extensive damage to the ship’s living quarters. Thick smoke spread through the ventilation system, destroying or displacing more than 100 sleeping berths. Reports indicate that approximately 600 sailors were left without beds, forcing many to sleep on floors and tables in common areas. The severity of the habitability issues, combined with the loss of laundry services for a crew of nearly 4,600, necessitated the move to Crete to source replacement materials and restore core shipboard services.