USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier returns home after 326-day deployment
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has returned to the United States after a 326-day deployment, marking the longest for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War. The carrier was involved in operations in the Caribbean and the Middle East, including combat against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the crew back at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
- ▪The USS Gerald R. Ford returned home on May 16 after a 326-day deployment.
- ▪It was the longest deployment for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.
- ▪The carrier participated in operations against drug smuggling and combat operations against Iran.
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USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier returns home after 326-day deploymentSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxSailors stand on aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford as it returns to Naval Station Norfolk on May 16 in Norfolk, Virginia. PHOTO: AFPPublished May 17, 2026, 09:27 AMUpdated May 17, 2026, 09:27 AMWASHINGTON - The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, dispatched to the Middle East ahead of the outbreak of war with Iran, returned home to the United States on May 16 after a 326-day deployment, the Pentagon said.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was on hand in Norfolk, Virginia, to welcome home the largest aircraft carrier in the world, the US military said on X.It was the longest deployment for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.The Ford’s deployment saw it…
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