USS Ford returns home after 11-month deployment supporting the Iran war and Maduro's capture
The USS Gerald R. Ford has returned to Virginia after an 11-month deployment, marking the longest deployment for an aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War. During its time at sea, the carrier supported U.S. military operations in the Iran war and participated in the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The deployment raised concerns about the impact on service members and the strain on the ship's equipment.
- ▪The USS Gerald R. Ford is the world's largest aircraft carrier.
- ▪The deployment lasted 326 days, the longest for an aircraft carrier in the past 50 years.
- ▪Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the crew for their accomplishments during the mission.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onUSS Ford returns home after 11-month deployment supporting the Iran war and Maduro's captureThe USS Gerald RByThe Associated PressMay 16, 2026, 10:50 AM1:10The USS Gerald R. Ford heads toward port at Naval Station Norfolk, as seen from Fort Monroe, Va., on May 16, 2026. (Peter Casey/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)The Associated PressNORFOLK, Va. -- The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world largest aircraft carrier, returned home to Virginia on Saturday after an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War, that saw it support the U.S.
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