USS Gerald R. Ford Sets Record for Longest Deployment Since Vietnam War

Apr 16, 2026

57 min

Apr 16, 2026 03:30

US aircraft carrier breaks record for longest deployment since the Vietnam War

## Record-Breaking Deployment

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world, has set a new record for the longest deployment by a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War. On its 295th day at sea, it surpassed the previous record held by the USS Abraham Lincoln, which was deployed for 294 days in 2020.

## Military Operations

During its nearly 10-month deployment, the USS Gerald R. Ford participated in significant military operations, including a raid in Venezuela and involvement in the Iran conflict. The carrier initially departed from Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2025, and was later redirected to the Caribbean and Middle East.

## Challenges Faced

The extended deployment has raised concerns about the impact on the crew's well-being and the strain on the ship's equipment. A fire on board forced the carrier to return to the Mediterranean for repairs, temporarily displacing 600 sailors.

## Future Plans

Navy officials anticipate the deployment will last around 11 months, with the carrier expected to return home by late May. Discussions are ongoing about utilizing smaller, newer ships for future missions to reduce reliance on aircraft carriers.

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