Carrier Gerald Ford Departs Croatia Following Repairs

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford departed the Port of Split, Croatia, following a five-day port visit on April 2.

The Ford has undergone repairs following a fire in the ship’s main laundry room that injured two sailors and also damaged sleeping areas for sailors.

It’s not yet known if the USS Ford will return to the U.S. now or return to the Middle East to support Operation Epic Fury. The ship has been away from home for nearly 10 months, one of the longest Naval deployments in years.

During the port visit to Croatia, Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Warfare Commanders, met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nicole McGraw to discuss the strike group’s ongoing deployment and continued mission readiness.

The ship’s crew took time to enjoy some liberty in Croatia’s historic and hospitable city, as well as go on tours and events scheduled by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. Additionally, the ship completed scheduled repairs and received supplies to sustain operations. The routine investigation into the ship’s laundry and berthing fire is ongoing.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed on deployment from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, conducting operations in the Arctic Circle, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea.

Carrier Strike Group Twelve, including flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as a premier instrument of national power in support of commander-in-chief tasking to deter aggression, preserve economic prosperity, and maintain free and open seas.