The End of an Era: The Aircraft Carrier Gerald Ford Returns to its Home Port After 326 Days

[62715] The End of an Era: The Aircraft Carrier Gerald Ford Returns to its Home Port After 326 Days

The American aircraft carrier Gerald Ford docked in Norfolk following the longest deployment of an aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War, which included complex operations in Iran and the Caribbean.

The Return of the Warriors from the Sea: The "Gerald Ford" Docks in Port

After 326 days of continuous operational activity on the high seas, the American aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford (CVN-78) returned to the U.S. Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia. According to reports from Suliand & Blumenthal, this is the longest deployment since the Vietnam War era, with 4,500 crew members returning aboard the ship, including technicians, air combat personnel, and sailors.

A Path of Combat and Operational Activity

The ship began its deployment in June 2025 with routine missions in Europe and NATO exercises, but the mission was significantly extended. As reported in Hadashot 360, the return of the fighters was delayed due to the ship's participation in Operation "Epic Fury" against Iran. According to Suliand & Blumenthal, activities in this operation included intensive strikes, interception of UAVs and cruise missiles, and providing standby support for Marine forces in the Arabian Sea.

The Complexity of Missions and Life on Deck

Alongside the complex military activity, which earlier also included assistance in the operation to capture Venezuelan President Maduro last January, logistical and human difficulties were also noted. Suliand & Blumenthal, who demonstrate a distinctly pro-Israel position, noted that despite "laundry room malfunctions, clogged toilets, and reports of low morale," the citizens of Israel should "thank the Ford's crew" for their contribution to regional security.

News Israel IL, which is associated with a line supporting the current Israeli and American administrations, emphasized the scale of the deployment and the fact that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived to greet the crew upon their return to port.