World's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, returns to combat after fire in Red Sea and resumes missions against Iran
The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest, is ready for battle again after a fire on board in the Red Sea and repairs carried out in Crete.
American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford PHOTO: Getty images
The announcement was made by the US 6th Fleet shortly after the ship departed from the port of Split, Croatia. “Gerald R. Ford remains ready to perform all mission tasks in support of national objectives in any area of operations,” it is stated in the official statement, according to CNN.
The fire occurred on March 12 in the ship's laundry area while the aircraft carrier was operating in the Red Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
At a defense forum in Washington on Tuesday, the head of US naval operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle, praised the quick response of the crew.
“They fought the fire, put it out and resumed air missions just two days after the incident. I'm very proud of that crew.”the American official said.
However, just over a week after the fire, the ship was temporarily withdrawn from operations against Iran and sent to Greece, where the berths damaged by the flames were repaired.
The work was carried out at the US military base in Souda Bay on the island of Crete, after which the aircraft carrier made a five-day stopover in Croatia for crew rest.
