A fire broke out in the main laundry area of the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12, 2026, raising concerns about the safety and operational capacity of the aircraft carrier. The fire burned for more than 30 hours and left over 600 sailors without berths.
Two American sailors were injured in the fire; however, their injuries are not life-threatening. The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently in its 10th month of deployment, supporting Operation Epic Fury alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Despite the incident, the propulsion plant of the USS Gerald R. Ford sustained no damage, and the ship remains fully operational. According to US Central Command, “There is no damage to the ship’s propulsion plant, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational.” This assurance is crucial as the ship continues its mission in the Red Sea.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, delivered to the US Navy in May 2017 and commissioned in July of the same year, has a displacement of about 100,000 tonnes and a length of 333 meters. Crew members have been informed that their deployment may be extended into May 2026.
Modern warships like the USS Gerald R. Ford contain highly complex electrical systems and extensive fuel lines, both of which can intensify fires once they break out, as noted by military analyst Wang Yunfei.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact cause of the fire, leaving some uncertainties about the incident. The situation continues to be monitored closely by military officials.
