NORFOLK, Va. (AP) – The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, returned home to Virginia on Saturday after an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War. During this deployment, the carrier supported the U.S. war with Iran and was involved in the capture of Nicolás Maduro when he was Venezuela’s president.
The most advanced U.S. warship, along with two accompanying destroyers, docked at Naval Station Norfolk with about 5,000 sailors reuniting with their families for the first time since June. Aside from combat operations and traveling to different continents, the crew aboard the carrier faced a noncombat-related fire that led to extensive repairs on the Greek island of Crete, leaving hundreds without sleeping quarters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth greeted the arriving warships, including the destroyer USS Bainbridge, and praised the crew for their exceptional performance. Hegseth hailed the crew for not only accomplishing their mission but also making history and bringing pride to the nation.
Additionally, Hegseth spoke to the crews of the USS Mahan, a destroyer, and the Ford, acknowledging their service during the Iran war. Both ships, along with the Ford, were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their outstanding performance against a determined enemy, the highest unit award typically reserved for significant combat achievements.
The USS Gerald R. Ford’s 326-day deployment broke records for the longest post-Vietnam War deployment in the last 50 years. This extended time at sea has raised concerns about the impact on service members and the strain on the ship and equipment.
When the Ford first left Virginia’s coast, it sailed to the Mediterranean Sea before being rerouted to the Caribbean Sea as part of a significant naval buildup in the region. From there, the carrier participated in capturing Maduro and then headed towards the Middle East amidst escalating tensions with Iran.
While the Ford’s deployment was lengthy, technically, the crew of the USS Nimitz was on duty and away from home for a total of 341 days in 2020 and 2021, including extended periods ashore in the U.S. to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
___ Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writers Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin in Washington.
