The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, has returned to a naval base in Crete following its involvement in Middle East war operations, according to AFP photographer.
The vessel previously stopped at Souda Bay in February to take on food, fuel and ammunition. On 12 March, a laundry fire aboard the carrier injured two crew members.
United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran in late February after a significant US military buildup in the Middle East. The buildup included Ford and another carrier, Abraham Lincoln.
Both ships, each carrying air wings of dozens of aircraft, have played key roles in operations involving Iran. Ford’s withdrawal creates a gap for US forces in the region.
“Taking the Ford off the board for any significant length of time means less US support to war efforts,” said Daniel Schneiderman, director of global policy programmes at Penn Washington.
He added that the Ford’s role in the defence of Israel is significant. However, he noted that if some of its accompanying ships – which possess key air defence capabilities – remain near Israel, then “the immediate term operational impact of its departure is somewhat mitigated.”
Ford has spent nearly nine months at sea. During this deployment, it took part in US operations in the Caribbean, where American forces carried out strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, intercepted sanctioned tankers, and seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
According to the US military, a fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the carrier on 12 March, injuring two sailors and causing major damage to around 100 beds.
US media have also reported significant problems with the carrier’s toilet system while at sea, citing clogs and long queues for restrooms on the ship.
Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has strongly criticised the extended deployment of the vessel.
“The Ford and its crew have been pushed to the brink after nearly a year at sea, and they have been paying the price for President Donald Trump’s reckless military decisions,” he said.
