The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has departed the port of Split, Croatia, following a five-day visit between 28 March and 2 April, according to the US Navy.
The carrier, the largest warship in the world, remains deployed in the Mediterranean as part of Carrier Strike Group 12 and is available for full mission tasking in support of US national objectives, the US Navy said.
“The ship’s crew took time to enjoy some liberty in Croatia’s historic and hospitable city, as well as go on tours and events scheduled by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. Additionally, the ship completed scheduled repairs and received supplies to sustain operations. The routine investigation into the ship’s laundry and berthing fire is ongoing.”
During the visit, Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, and other senior warfare commanders met with US Ambassador to Croatia Nicole McGraw. Discussions focused on the strike group’s ongoing deployment and its operational readiness while forward deployed in the region.
Alongside official engagements, the visit provided an opportunity for crew members to go ashore in Split, with organised tours and activities coordinated by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. The port period also allowed the ship to conduct routine maintenance and take on supplies required to sustain ongoing operations. An investigation into a previously reported fire in a laundry and berthing area remains ongoing.
USS Gerald R. Ford deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on 24 June 2025 and has since operated across a wide geographic area, including the Arctic Circle, Mediterranean, Caribbean and Red Sea. The strike group has been involved in a range of joint and combined operations during that deployment.
Carrier Strike Group 12 includes the carrier as its flagship, alongside Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill. The group is currently assigned to the US 6th Fleet area of operations.
According to the US Navy, the deployment supports a range of objectives including deterrence, support to allies and partners, and maintaining freedom of navigation and economic security in key maritime regions.
It’s absolutely mental what the US navy put these sailors through, 10 months at sea on active deployment, crossing the Atlantic multiple times to participate in war after war.
It’s no wonder crew members sabotaged the ship, flushing ropes down the toilets and then ultimately a major fire which is being investigated for a possible deliberate start.
Politicians need to realise the military is not their play thing to be used to distract from political problems at home.
I see another ‘loss in confidence’ in the captains future
Sky has just reported that Hegseth has sacked, sorry asked the US army’s chief of staff to retire effectively immediately.
Wonder was that over the attempted investigation into the Kid Rock flyby, or something else? Either way, perfect timing in the middle of a war, guess he’s going to keep firing people until he just has “Yes Men”