USS Ford Returns Home After Longest Carrier Deployment Since Vietnam War
The USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Virginia this weekend after an 11-month deployment that became the longest modern U.S. aircraft carrier deployment since the Vietnam War era. The carrier supported U.S. military operations tied to the war with Iran and later participated in operations connected to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The deployment turned into a symbol of the Pentagon’s expanding global commitments as tensions with Iran escalated into open conflict earlier this year. The Ford operated across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East while facing onboard maintenance problems, including a major fire that displaced hundreds of sailors.
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Military analysts and lawmakers have increasingly raised concerns about the strain prolonged deployments place on sailors, carrier readiness, and the Navy’s long-term operational capacity. The Ford’s return also comes as the U.S. continues maintaining a major naval presence in the Middle East amid unresolved tensions with Tehran.
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