A fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford has left more than 600 service members without beds while the vessel operates in the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, according to media reports.
The blaze erupted in the carrier’s main laundry facility last week and took more than 30 hours to extinguish, highlighting the severity of the incident. Military officials confirmed that the fire was not combat-related and did not damage the ship’s propulsion system, allowing it to remain fully operational.
However, the incident significantly disrupted daily life on board. Dozens of sailors suffered smoke inhalation, while two personnel received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. As a result, hundreds of crew members lost access to their bunks and are now sleeping on floors and tables. Additionally, sailors have been unable to wash clothes because the fire damaged the primary laundry area.
Meanwhile, the carrier continues a prolonged deployment that has stretched to nearly 10 months. The vessel, carrying about 4,500 personnel, was initially deployed to Europe before being redirected to other regions and eventually to the Middle East for operations linked to Iran.
If the deployment extends into May, it could surpass the post-Vietnam War record of 294 days at sea. At the same time, crew members have reported persistent technical issues, including repeated breakdowns in the ship’s plumbing system, affecting hundreds of toilets.
Despite these challenges, US Central Command stated that flight operations continue around the clock. Nevertheless, analysts and former naval officials warn that extended deployments and onboard strain could reduce overall crew performance and readiness over time.
