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The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, returned to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on May 16, 2026, after an 11-month deployment that became the longest operational deployment for a U.S. carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.

The nuclear-powered carrier spent 326 days at sea and took part in major U.S. military operations in both the Middle East and the Caribbean.

The deployment included combat operations linked to the Iran war, missions targeting drug trafficking, sanctions enforcement, and operations connected to former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Families gathered at the Virginia naval base to welcome home nearly 5,000 sailors after months of uncertainty and high-profile military operations overseas. Sailors standing on the massive carrier waved to cheering crowds holding handmade signs and American flags as the ship arrived at the dock.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended the homecoming ceremony and praised the crew for what he described as a historic mission. “You didn’t just accomplish a mission, you made history,” Hegseth told sailors during the ceremony. “You made a nation proud.”

Missions from South America to Middle East

The deployment placed the USS Gerald R. Ford at the center of several major military missions ordered by President Donald Trump.

After leaving Virginia last June, the carrier initially traveled through the Atlantic toward the Mediterranean Sea and Norway as part of a scheduled deployment. The mission later changed dramatically as global tensions increased.

The carrier was redirected to the Caribbean during a major U.S. naval buildup in the region. There, American forces conducted anti-smuggling operations, intercepted sanctioned vessels, and participated in operations tied to Venezuela. Aircraft launched from the Ford reportedly supported the mission connected to Maduro.

Later, as tensions with Iran escalated into open conflict, the carrier was ordered toward the Middle East. The Ford supported combat operations from the Mediterranean Sea before moving through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, where it helped launch repeated air operations during the Iran War.

Military officials said the carrier strike group received the Presidential Unit Citation for its role in combat operations. The award is one of the highest honors that can be given to a U.S. military unit and is typically reserved for extraordinary battlefield performance.

Longest Deployment Since Vietnam War

Despite the mission’s military successes, the deployment was difficult for many sailors and their families. Aircraft carriers are normally designed for deployments lasting about seven months, but the Ford remained at sea for nearly 11 months due to the expanding military crises.

Adm. Daryl Caudle acknowledged the strain caused by the unusually long deployment and said Navy leadership does not want such missions to become standard practice. “We really want to deploy our ships for the length of time they’re designed to,” Caudle said.

According to data from the U.S. Naval Institute, the deployment was the longest operational deployment for a U.S. aircraft carrier since the post-Vietnam War era.

Fire and Technical Problems at Sea

The long deployment also brought several onboard challenges. In March, reportedly, a fire broke out in one of the carrier’s laundry rooms. The fire reportedly took around 30 hours to contain fully and caused significant damage inside the ship. Around 600 sailors temporarily lost access to their sleeping areas due to the destruction.

Two sailors were injured during the incident, though no serious injuries were reported. The damage also temporarily disrupted laundry services aboard the ship, adding further stress for the crew already dealing with months at sea.

Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The carrier also reportedly experienced repeated problems with its toilet and plumbing systems during the deployment, forcing repair work during a stop in Crete, Greece.

Even with the technical problems, military officials described the Ford as a critical platform during the operations in Iran and Venezuela.

Major Combat Role

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy and cost roughly $13 billion to build. Unlike older carriers, it uses an advanced electromagnetic catapult system capable of launching both fighter jets and smaller drones more efficiently.

Former Navy officer Brent Sadler previously described the carrier’s launch system as a major advantage that gives commanders greater flexibility during combat operations.

The carrier served as a key launch platform for aircraft participating in operations over Iran and Venezuela, making it one of the most heavily used U.S. naval assets during the deployment.