Middle East live: USS Ford returns from Iran war after longest deployment since Vietnam
Summary
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest US aircraft carrier, returned to Virginia after a 326-day deployment, the longest for a US carrier since the Vietnam War. During its mission, the ship participated in operations in the Caribbean, including capturing Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro, and later took part in combat activities against Iran in the Middle East.Key Facts
- The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest aircraft carrier in the world.
- It was deployed for 326 days, the longest US carrier deployment since the Vietnam War.
- The carrier was sent to the Middle East before the war with Iran began.
- It took part in US military actions in the Caribbean, such as striking drug-smuggling boats and capturing Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader.
- After the Caribbean operations, the carrier joined combat operations against Iran.
- The ship returned to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on May 16, 2026.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the vessel home.
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