Fire Aboard USS Gerald R. Ford Burns For 30 Hours, Leaves 600 Sailors Without Berths

A fire broke out on board the USS Gerald R. Ford on March 12 and burned for more than 30 hours while the ship was deployed in the Red Sea. The incident damaged sleeping areas, forcing over 600 sailors to sleep on floors, tables, and other available spaces.

The fire started in a laundry room, in a dryer exhaust vent, and then spread through the ship’s ventilation system into nearby sections, including berthing areas.

Sailors worked continuously for over a day to bring it under control, showing how far the smoke and damage had spread inside the ship. The exact cause is still being investigated, but early reports suggest it was accidental and not linked to any combat activity.

The aircraft carrier has a crew of about 4,500 people, so around one-eighth of those onboard were affected by the damage. Along with sleeping spaces, laundry services were also disrupted, making daily life on board more difficult.

At least two sailors suffered minor injuries and later returned to duty. Some crew members also faced smoke inhalation, and one sailor had to be evacuated for medical treatment. The person is reported to be in stable condition.

The U.S. Navy said the fire did not affect the ship’s propulsion system, and the carrier remains operational. The vessel continues to carry out its mission in the Red Sea under Operation Epic Fury.

The ship has been deployed since June 24, 2025, and the deployment could last up to 11 months. Long deployments like this can put pressure on both the crew and the ship, affecting maintenance, daily operations, and overall conditions on board.

The situation has been made harder by existing technical issues, including problems with toilet systems and delays in maintenance schedules at U.S. shipyards.

Another carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, is preparing to deploy and is expected to replace the Ford in the region.

Even after the fire, the carrier group remains active in the Red Sea, an important route for global shipping and naval operations.

References: Navytimes, the chosun

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