Nicolai Haugsted
Pentagon has confirmed, that it is time to come home.
After nearly a full year operating across multiple conflict zones, the world’s largest aircraft carrier is finally heading home.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is returning to its base in Virginia following a deployment that stretched across Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East — becoming one of the longest US carrier missions since the Vietnam War.
The news come from 20Minutos.
Record-breaking deployment comes to an end
The Pentagon confirmed that aircraft squadrons connected to the carrier strike group have already started arriving back at their home bases, while the remaining vessels are expected to follow in the coming days.
The nuclear-powered carrier spent roughly 11 months at sea after originally departing Norfolk in June 2025.
During the deployment, the USS Gerald R. Ford operated in several high-tension regions, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Red Sea.
American media reports linked the carrier to operations surrounding the pressure campaign against Venezuela and military actions tied to the conflict with Iran.
Crew frustrations reportedly grew
Length of the mission reportedly created growing frustration among some sailors onboard.
Carrier deployments typically last between six and nine months, but repeated extensions kept the Ford at sea far longer than originally planned.
Reports from American outlets described mounting strain on crew members during the prolonged operation.
Technical problems also complicated parts of the deployment. Earlier this year, a fire broke out onboard while the carrier was operating near the Middle East, injuring sailors and forcing repairs.
Separate reports described additional maintenance issues involving laundry facilities and sewage systems during the extended mission.
Carrier became symbol of US military pressure
The USS Gerald R. Ford played a central role in Washington’s military posture during several major geopolitical flashpoints over the past year.
American officials repeatedly used the carrier’s presence to project power during tensions involving Iran, while the ship also spent time supporting operations connected to Venezuela.
The deployment ultimately surpassed multiple post-Vietnam carrier records and involved more than 4,500 sailors and personnel.
Attention inside military circles now turns toward recovery, maintenance and how the Navy plans to manage future deployments after one of the most demanding carrier missions in decades.
