USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaves Middle East
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East and is now in the US European Command area of responsibility, following operations against Iran. It had been deployed for over 10 months, participating in missions in the Caribbean and facing technical issues including a fire and toilet system failures. Two other US aircraft carriers remain in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
- ▪The USS Gerald R. Ford left the Middle East after participating in operations against Iran.
- ▪The carrier is now in the US European Command area of responsibility, leaving 20 US Navy ships in the Middle East.
- ▪The Ford was deployed for over 10 months and experienced a fire that injured two sailors and damaged 100 beds.
- ▪The ship also faced persistent issues with its toilet system during deployment.
- ▪The United States and Iran remain in an unresolved ceasefire, with mutual blockades in place.
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USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier leaves Middle EastSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is currently in the US European Command area of responsibility.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 01, 2026, 10:55 PMUpdated May 01, 2026, 10:55 PMWASHINGTON - The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has left the Middle East after taking part in operations against Iran, a US official said on May 1, leaving two massive American warships in the region.The Ford is currently in the US European Command area of responsibility, according to the official, who put the number of remaining US Navy ships in the Middle East at 20, including the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.