USS Gerald R Ford deployment ends with return to Virginia after 11 months at sea

The USS Gerald R Ford returned to Virginia on Saturday after an 11-month deployment. The US Navy said it was the longest aircraft carrier deployment since the Vietnam War. The mission included support for the US war with Iran. It also involved the capture of Nicolas Maduro when he was Venezuelas president.

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The aircraft carrier and two destroyers arrived at Naval Station Norfolk. About 5,000 sailors were due to meet families for the first time since June. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth attended the homecoming. The returning group included the destroyer USS Bainbridge, which docked with the carrier.

USS Gerald R Ford deployment record and time at sea

US Naval Institute News reported the Ford spent 326 days at sea. It called this the most for a US aircraft carrier in 50 years. The report said it also set the longest post-Vietnam War deployment record. Only two longer carrier deployments were listed. USS Midway spent 332 days at sea in 1973, and USS Coral Sea spent 329 in 1965.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the USS Bainbridge crew during the arrival. Speaking on the destroyers deck, Hegseth delivered a short message. "You didnt just accomplish a mission, you made history,\" Hegseth said on the destroyers deck. \"You made a nation proud.\"

USS Gerald R Ford operations from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea

When the Ford left Virginias coast in June, it sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. In October, the ship was redirected to the Caribbean Sea. The move was part of the largest naval buildup there in generations. In January, the carrier supported the operation to capture Maduro. Later, it shifted again as tensions with Iran rose.

The Ford joined the opening days of the Iran war while in the Mediterranean Sea. It then passed through the Suez Canal. The carrier entered the Red Sea in early March. The deployment involved major movements across regions. It combined combat tasks with long stretches underway, according to the report.

USS Gerald R Ford fire, repairs, and strain concerns

During the deployment, sailors also faced a noncombat incident on board. A fire started in one of the carriers laundry spaces. The damage left hundreds without places to sleep. The ship then needed lengthy repairs on the Greek island of Crete. The incident added pressure during the long mission.

The long stretch at sea has raised concerns beyond the fire damage. Questions have focused on stress for service members away for many months. Some concerns also involve wear on the ship and its equipment. The report noted one longer absence in recent years. The USS Nimitz crew was away for 341 days in 2020 and 2021, but part involved COVID-19 isolation ashore in the US.

With inputs from PTI