USS Gerald R. Ford completes record 11‑month deployment

The U.S. Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Naval Station Norfolk on 16 May 2026 after a 326‑day cruise – the longest carrier deployment for the United States since the Vietnam War. The super‑carrier and its escort destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan carried roughly 5,000 sailors and supported two major operations: a January raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the opening phase of a U.S. war against Iran.

During the deployment the ship suffered a non‑combat fire in a laundry space that forced about 600 crew members out of their berths and required extensive repairs in Crete. The crew also dealt with recurring plumbing failures. In recognition of their performance, the strike group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the returning sailors, praising their endurance and noting the historic nature of the mission.