MANAMA, Bahrain — March 12, 2026 : A non-combat fire occurred aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) while the aircraft carrier was operating in the Red Sea, according to a statement released by the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquartered at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. The incident originated in the ship’s main laundry spaces and was contained by crew members.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command confirmed that two sailors sustained injuries during the incident. Both personnel received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Military officials stated that the fire did not affect the vessel’s critical systems. The propulsion plant, which powers the carrier through A1B nuclear reactors, sustained no damage. The U.S. Navy confirmed that the ship remains fully mission capable and continues normal operations.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead vessel of the Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The ship measures approximately 1,092 feet (333 meters) in length and has a full-load displacement of about 100,000 long tons, making it the largest class of aircraft carriers in service with the United States Navy. The vessel is powered by A1B nuclear reactors, which provide energy for propulsion as well as the carrier’s advanced onboard systems.
The carrier is currently deployed with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Its last reported operational location was the Red Sea, where it is supporting U.S. military operations under Operation Epic Fury.
According to the U.S. Navy’s statement, the fire was limited to the ship’s laundry area and was brought under control by onboard firefighting teams. No additional damage to other sections of the carrier has been reported.
The U.S. Navy stated that standard post-incident assessments are underway to review the circumstances surrounding the fire. Further details regarding the cause of the incident have not yet been released. Operations aboard the carrier continue without interruption.
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