The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to dock at the American naval support base in Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs after a fire broke out on board last week while the ship was operating in the Red Sea.
According to USNI News, the blaze took several hours to bring under control and caused significant damage to parts of the vessel. A senior U.S. official confirmed that the carrier will travel to the Naval Support Activity at Souda Bay, where repair work is expected to last more than a week.
FILE PHOTO: USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier arrives at Souda Bay on the island of Crete, Greece, February 23, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas/File Photo
Fire broke out on March 12
The fire occurred on March 12 in the ship’s aft laundry area, triggering a large-scale response from the crew.
Sailors were moved to different parts of the aircraft carrier while operations were temporarily disrupted as teams worked to contain the blaze.
During the emergency response, one sailor was injured and transported for medical treatment, while two others received care for minor injuries.
More than 200 sailors also experienced symptoms related to smoke inhalation, though they later returned to their duties after receiving medical attention, according to USNI News.
Investigation underway
A spokesperson for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet said the crew is currently inspecting and restoring the areas affected by the fire and smoke while an investigation into the cause of the incident continues.
Despite the damage, the USS Gerald R. Ford has continued operating in the Red Sea in support of missions assigned by U.S. Central Command as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Damage affects crew facilities
Smoke damage also spread to the ship’s sleeping areas, prompting the Navy to remove about 1,000 mattresses from the under-construction aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in Norfolk, Virginia, to replace those aboard the Ford.
Around 2,000 uniforms and other clothing items have also been gathered for the crew, as much of the ship’s laundry service remains out of operation.
Initial assessments suggested that the damage could require extensive repairs. However, officials clarified that while efforts to control the damage lasted more than a day, the fire itself did not burn continuously for 30 hours as earlier reports had suggested.
