Split, Croatia, March 28 - The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford berthed in Croatia's Adriatic port of Split on Saturday to undergo repairs and routine maintenance, officials said. The visit follows operational activity tied to U.S.-Israeli missions against Iran and a recent onboard incident that injured crew members.
The carrier was operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury when a non-combat blaze broke out in the ship's main laundry room on March 12. The fire injured three sailors and prompted medical treatment for nearly 200 others for smoke-related issues. Crew members fought the blaze for several hours before it was brought under control, and the incident affected roughly 100 sleeping berths aboard the vessel.
Deployed for nine months, the Gerald R. Ford also participated in operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela prior to moving to the Middle East. During this extended deployment the warship encountered persistent plumbing problems that impacted nearly 650 toilets, compounding the maintenance needs already on the ship's agenda.
Before arriving in Split the carrier made a brief stop at Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete. Croatia, a NATO ally of the United States, approved the Ford's arrival earlier in the week.
In a statement, the U.S. embassy in Croatia said that while in port the USS Gerald R. Ford will host local officials and other leaders to reaffirm the United States' enduring alliance with Croatia. The warship carries more than 5,000 sailors and embarks in excess of 75 military aircraft, including fighter jets such as the F-18 Super Hornet. The carrier is also equipped with an advanced radar suite used for air traffic control and navigation.
The visit to Split is framed as a period for repairs and maintenance following recent operational strains and technical faults encountered during the ship's prolonged deployment.