“Gerald R. Ford remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation.” This statement from the U.S. Navy comes as the USS Gerald R. Ford departs Split, Croatia, following necessary repairs after a fire onboard.

The fire, which occurred in the laundry and berthing areas, injured two personnel and affected approximately 100 sleeping berths. In total, around 200 sailors were treated for smoke exposure during the incident.

After a five-day port visit, the carrier has been declared combat-ready, marking a significant milestone in its deployment. The USS Gerald R. Ford has been operational since June 2025, participating in various missions across multiple theaters, including the Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea.

As part of a U.S. naval buildup in the region, the USS Gerald R. Ford is equipped with Carrier Air Wing 8, which includes F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, and MH-60 helicopters. This capability allows for flexibility in repositioning without the political constraints faced by land-based aircraft.

Despite its readiness, the carrier’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) has faced reliability concerns, achieving only 600 cycles between operational failures against a design requirement of 4,000 cycles. There have been 10 critical failures experienced within the first 747 launches.

The decision to prioritize immediate operational availability over full maintenance raises questions about the extent of repairs conducted and any underlying maintenance issues that may have been deferred. Details remain unconfirmed.

As the USS Gerald R. Ford resumes its operations, it continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military efforts, particularly in operations against Iran since the launch of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in late February 2026.

Looking ahead, if the timeline holds, the USS Gerald R. Ford may soon enter its planned post-deployment maintenance period, allowing for further assessments and necessary upgrades.