U.S. aircraft carrier Gerald Ford leaves Croatia, destination unknown

The U.S. Navy announced that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which took part in the strikes against Iran, has left Croatia without specifying its next destination.

The Navy stated that the world’s largest aircraft carrier, which had experienced several issues, “completed repairs and received the necessary supplies to continue its operations” and “remains ready to carry out its mission in service of national objectives in any region.”

The vessel, which had been deployed in the Mediterranean prior to the start of the U.S.–Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, returned this week to a naval base on the island of Crete following a fire that broke out on board on March 12.

The U.S. military reported that the fire caused significant damage to around 100 berths. It was also reported that the ship experienced serious problems with its sanitation system while at sea, with press reports describing blockages and long queues outside the restrooms.

The United States and Israel carried out a series of airstrikes against Iran following a large U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, which included the aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford, which remained at sea for nine months, and USS Abraham Lincoln.