USS Gerald Ford Arrives in Croatia for Maintenance
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:10 pm
USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Croatia for Maintenance
SPLIT, Croatia – The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, arrived in Split, Croatia, on Saturday for a scheduled port visit and maintenance, according to a statement from the US embassy. The carrier, which has been involved in Middle East operations, was observed by journalists as it entered the port.
The Ford's arrival in Croatia follows its departure from a naval base in Crete earlier this week. The ship had returned to the base after a fire broke out in a laundry room, injuring two crew members. The US military reported that the fire caused significant damage, including to approximately 100 beds.
During its visit, the USS Gerald R. Ford will host local officials and key leaders to acknowledge the strong alliance between the United States and Croatia, the embassy stated.
The carrier has been deployed for nearly nine months, participating in US operations in the Caribbean. These operations have included strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdiction of sanctioned tankers, and actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The Ford, along with the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, played a key role in recent operations in the Middle East. The withdrawal of the Ford from the region leaves a gap in US forces. The carrier has also reportedly experienced issues with its toilet system while at sea.
BNN's Perspective: The USS Gerald R. Ford's presence in Croatia for maintenance underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to its allies and its global naval presence. While the ship's deployment has been marked by both operational successes and logistical challenges, its continued role in international operations highlights the complexities of modern naval deployments. The visit to Croatia provides an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties while addressing necessary maintenance requirements.
Keywords: USS Gerald R. Ford, aircraft carrier, Croatia, Split, maintenance, US Navy, Middle East, operations, Caribbean, fire, laundry, deployment, Abraham Lincoln, US military, port visit.