17.03.2026 18:03
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier of the U.S. Navy is preparing to return to the Souda Naval Base on the island of Crete, Greece, after leaving the operational area following a fire that broke out on March 12. While the fire caused significant damage to the ship, it is reported that Ford's return to Crete is planned for refueling and a detailed investigation of the fire. There is also speculation that the fire may have been intentionally set by some crew members.
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which has been conducting support missions in the Red Sea as part of the attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, experienced a fire on March 12 while currently located near the port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was reported that it took more than 30 hours to extinguish the fire that broke out in the ship's main laundry.
The large ship is preparing to leave the operational area and return to the Souda Naval Base on the island of Crete, Greece.
MORE THAN 600 PERSONNEL AFFECTED
As a result of the fire on the ship, significant damage occurred in some sections, and it was reported that more than 600 sailors and crew members were deprived of adequate accommodation facilities. The incident also raised questions about the ship's operational capacity.
RETURNING FOR FUEL SUPPLY AND INVESTIGATION
It was stated that Ford's return to Crete is planned for both refueling and a detailed investigation of the fire that occurred on March 12.
SABOTAGE POSSIBILITY UNDER INVESTIGATION
According to a source speaking to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, investigators are considering a significant possibility regarding the cause of the fire. It is claimed that the fire may have been intentionally set by some crew members who were exhausted from prolonged combat missions.
While there has been no official statement from the US Navy, it was claimed that the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is being prepared to be deployed to the Middle East and will likely replace the Ford.