25.02.2026 09:21
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, a $13 billion deterrent force for the U.S. against Iran operating in the Mediterranean, has encountered a toilet issue. Malfunctions in the sewage system of the world's most expensive aircraft carrier have frustrated over 4,000 personnel. It has been reported that the morale of the staff, who work 19-hour shifts, has been affected by having to wait approximately 45 minutes for the restroom each time.
The largest and most expensive aircraft carrier of the United States, USS Gerald R. Ford, came into the spotlight due to a shameful technical issue during its mission in the Mediterranean. The $13 billion giant ship experienced malfunctions in its toilet and waste systems, causing serious difficulties for the crew. Due to the tensions in the region, it was reported that the sewage infrastructure on the ship, which is deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean and shown as a deterrent force against Iran, frequently went offline. It was stated that a large portion of the toilets on the ship, which has more than 4,600 personnel, became unusable.
80% OF TOILETS OUT OF SERVICE
According to reports in foreign media, the vacuum waste system on the ship is constantly malfunctioning. It was claimed that approximately 80% of the toilets are clogged, and in some areas, waste has backed up, causing unpleasant odors. It is noted that personnel who have been at sea for a long time are struggling due to hygiene conditions.
19 HOURS OF WORK, 45 MINUTES WAITING FOR TOILET
Emails that were allegedly leaked revealed the extent of the problem. It was stated that the system went offline 205 times within four days. It was recorded that engineering teams worked up to 19 hours a day to fix the malfunctions. It was also reported that personnel had to wait 45 minutes to use the toilets.
CLEANING OPERATION COSTS $400,000
According to information reported by Forbes magazine, each application of cleaning the ship's sewage line with acid costs approximately $400,000. This situation led to criticism of the high-cost warship due to a simple infrastructure problem.
MORALE OF PERSONNEL HAS DETERIORATED
U.S. Navy officials claimed that the technical malfunctions did not affect the ship's operational capability. However, military experts pointed out that hygiene issues could have negative effects on personnel morale in the long term. USS Gerald R. Ford, sent to the Mediterranean during a period of rising regional tensions, has been brought to the international public's attention more for its sewage malfunctions than its military capacity.
ANCHORED AT CRETE ISLAND
It was reported that the aircraft carrier "USS Gerald R. Ford" belonging to the United States is at the Souda Naval Base located on Crete Island. According to news from Greek State Television ERT, the aircraft carrier "USS Gerald R. Ford" belonging to the United States has arrived at the Souda Naval Base on Crete Island. In a report by "in.gr," one of Greece's most read news sites, it was stated, "The arrival of a second aircraft carrier to the region, near Iran, indicates that the time is approaching for the U.S. to decide how to act against Tehran."
In a written statement from the Hellenic Committee for International Peace, which is also a member of the World Peace Council, it was noted:
"The intense presence of U.S. F-35 and A-10 fighter jets, aerial refueling and transport vehicles, and the imminent presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier confirm that Souda is becoming an important link in the tightening war circle around Iran and the peoples of the region, and the likelihood of a general military conflict is approaching."
The statement indicated that this situation could be dangerous for Greece, stating, "The peoples have nothing to gain from the increase in war plans."