Fire breaks out aboard Amercian carrier in Red Sea

A small, non-combat-related fire broke out aboard the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford while it was operating in the Red Sea, according to the US Navy.

US Naval Forces Central Command said the incident occurred on 12 March and originated in the ship’s main laundry spaces. The cause of the fire was not related to combat operations and the blaze has since been contained.

“On March 12, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire that originated in the ship’s main laundry spaces,” the command said in a statement. “The cause of the fire was not combat-related and is contained.”

The US Navy said the carrier remains fully operational and that key propulsion systems were unaffected. “There is no damage to the ship’s propulsion plant, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational,” the statement added.

Two sailors were injured in the incident and are receiving medical treatment, although their injuries are not believed to be serious.

“Two Sailors are currently receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition,” the command said.

USS Gerald R. Ford is currently deployed to the Red Sea as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which is supporting Operation Epic Fury in the region. Officials said further information will be released as it becomes available.

The vessel is the lead ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers and among the largest warships ever built. Displacing around 100,000 tonnes, the nuclear-powered carrier is more than 330 metres long and can carry over 75 aircraft. Powered by two A1B nuclear reactors driving four shafts, the ship can exceed speeds of 30 knots and operate for roughly 25 years before refuelling.

The carrier’s crew and air wing together number more than 4,500 personnel. Its defensive systems include ESSM and RAM surface-to-air missiles, Phalanx close-in weapon systems and 25 mm guns, alongside advanced radar systems such as the AN/SPY-3 multi-function radar.