A US aircraft carrier used for military operations against Iran has arrived in Croatia for repairs
The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is part of the air strike support force against Iran, docked in Croatia's Adriatic port of Split on Saturday for repairs and maintenance, Reuters reports.
“During her visit, the USS Gerald R. Ford will welcome local officials and key figures on board in recognition of the strong and enduring alliance between the US and Croatia,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
Ford, America's newest aircraft carrier and the world's largest, was in the Red Sea for military operations against Iran when a fire broke out in its main laundry on March 12.
Three sailors were injured and the fire caused significant damage to around 100 cabins.
However, the US Naval Middle East Command assured X that the ship's propulsion was not affected and that it remains “fully operational”.
Ford made a temporary stop in Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete last week. The government of Croatia, which is a US NATO ally, approved his arrival earlier this week.
The aircraft carrier, with more than 5,000 sailors, has more than 75 military aircraft on board, including fighter jets such as the F-18 Super Hornet, and boasts a sophisticated radar system for air traffic control and navigation.
