The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to return to the Souda Bay anchorage on Crete in the coming period after a fire broke out last week on the powerful warship as it was sailing in the Red Sea.

According to USNI News, it took several hours to bring the onboard fire under control, causing significant damages.

A source identified as a senior U.S. official was quoted by the same media outlet as saying that the USS Geral R. Ford will dock at the Souda Bay naval base for work expected to last more than a week. The repairs will focus on restoring the areas affected by the fire and smoke.

The blaze, which occurred on March 12 in the aft laundry room, caused an extensive firefighting operation. Sailors were moved to different areas of the ship, while the aircraft carrier’s operations were temporarily suspended, according to a quoted source.

One sailor was injured during the firefighting operation and transported for medical care, while two others received treatment for minor injuries.

More than 200 sailors showed symptoms of smoke inhalation, but returned to their duties after receiving care, according to USNI News.

Souda Bay in western Crete is a major naval and airbase for the Greek armed forces and certain allies, especially US armed forces, with its location becoming even more significant amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

A U.S. sailor signals to an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford during the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location March 15, 2026. U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS.