Fire on USS Gerald R. Ford Displaces Sailors During Extended Middle East Deployment

A fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, which lasted over 30 hours, began in the ship's main laundry area and displaced more than 600 sailors who lost access to their bunks. Two sailors were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and several others experienced smoke inhalation. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, hosting about 4,500 personnel, remains operational amid an extended deployment near the Middle East, with the mission possibly extending into May. Communication with the crew has been limited due to operational security.