USS Gerald R. Ford Completes Record Deployment, Returns Home to Naval Station Norfolk
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, has returned to Naval Station Norfolk after completing a record deployment. The ship, which departed on June 24, 2025, was initially set for routine NATO exercises in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. However, it became involved in significant military operations, including actions around Venezuela and later in the Mediterranean and Red Sea against Iran. The deployment lasted 326 days, making it one of the longest in recent history. Secretary Pete Hegseth was present to welcome the crew and present a Presidential Unit Citation. The USS Gerald R. Ford will now undergo a maintenance period, addressing issues such as a fire in the laundry room and problems with its advanced aircraft launch and recovery systems. 
