The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, has returned to the port of Souda Bay for inspections following a recent onboard fire, according to reports.
The incident, which was not related to any military conflict, reportedly started in the ship’s central laundry area. The fire lasted for nearly 30 hours and spread to multiple compartments, particularly those used as living quarters for crew members, causing significant material and logistical damage.
According to information cited by The New York Times, the blaze affected several sections of the vessel, highlighting the scale of the disruption onboard.
The U.S. military’s Central Command said two sailors required medical treatment for injuries, while dozens more were reported to have suffered from smoke inhalation. Crew members also faced difficult conditions in the aftermath, with many mattresses destroyed, forcing some sailors to sleep on the floor.
Measuring 335 meters in length, the USS Gerald R. Ford serves as the flagship of the U.S. Navy and can carry more than 4,000 personnel along with dozens of fighter aircraft.
The vessel’s return to Souda Bay is expected to allow for technical checks and assessment of the damage, as efforts continue to restore full operational capacity.
