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Associated Press • Konstantin Toropin

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

The Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), has completed 296 days of deployment—breaking the longest post-Vietnam War-era deployment record. The carrier’s run began with its departure from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025.

2026-04-15T15:15:08.188569-07:00

Reuters

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

2026-03-30T12:10:15.027889-07:00

Bloomberg

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls

2026-03-31T13:12:30.332570-07:00

AINonline

Fixed and AI FOD detection systems deployed to spot debris at airports and on carrier decks

2026-03-25T07:45:16.082209-07:00

News Timeline

Associated Press

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days The Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), has completed 296 days of deployment—breaking the longest post-Vietnam War-era deployment record. The carrier’s run began with its departure from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025.

2026-04-15T15:15:08.188569-07:00

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

Air & Space Forces Mag

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence Reporting outlines how the U.S. naval blockade effort against Iran is supported by large-scale airpower to surveil the seas and protect maritime assets. The operation is described as relying on warships and a mix of helicopters, jet fighters, and other combat-capable forces to enforce access control, including potential boarding support from aircraft.

2026-04-14T18:34:49.157520-07:00

U.S. blockade of Iran underpins maritime surveillance with 100+ aircraft, helicopters, fighters and scalable force presence

Wall Street Journal

U.S. blockade of Iran begins with 15+ warships, including carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and escort surface combatants The U.S. says its maritime blockade of Iranian ports is now officially under way, supported by more than 15 warships in the Persian Gulf. The task force includes the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, guided-missile destroyers, and an amphibious assault ship, though officials have not yet provided basic enforcement details such as the final ship count.

2026-04-13T09:12:44.675848-07:00

U.S. blockade of Iran begins with 15+ warships, including carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and escort surface combatants

Bloomberg

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls The USS Gerald R. Ford has left the Middle East and docked in Crete after a laundry-room fire forced the carrier to withdraw, exposing broader readiness and maintenance issues across the ship. The incident underscores operational strain during extended deployments and raises questions about carrier availability in the region.

2026-03-31T13:12:30.332570-07:00

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls

Reuters

US Navy: Virginia‑class subs, carrier and frigates delayed years by labor and supply‑chain shortfalls The U.S. Navy warned Tuesday that construction of Virginia‑class attack submarines, a new aircraft carrier and a class of frigates is now years behind schedule because of skilled labor shortages, design problems and pandemic‑related supply‑chain disruptions, forcing longer timelines for delivery and fleet recapitalization.

2026-03-30T21:12:38.663435-07:00

US Navy: Virginia‑class subs, carrier and frigates delayed years by labor and supply‑chain shortfalls

Reuters

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate Thousands from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division — including its ~3,000‑strong [Immediate Response Force](source:20a7daef-b128-4966-959c-92d5ca76e240) — have arrived in the Middle East, expanding options for operations against Iran. The deployment follows U.S. strikes since Feb. 28 and contemplates actions such as seizing Kharg Island or securing the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-03-30T12:10:15.027889-07:00

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

Reuters

USS Gerald R. Ford diverts to Split, Croatia, for repairs after fire during nine‑month deployment USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) docked in Split, Croatia, for unscheduled repairs after a laundry‑room fire during its nine‑month deployment that included Caribbean operations against Venezuela and later missions supporting U.S.-Israeli activity in the Middle East. The diversion raises fresh questions about carrier readiness during extended forward deployments.

2026-03-28T04:31:23.220729-07:00

USS Gerald R. Ford diverts to Split, Croatia, for repairs after fire during nine‑month deployment

Washington Post

Sailor's Strava workout exposes aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle location; France probes security breach A French naval officer's Strava workout, uploaded from the deck of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, inadvertently enabled journalists to geolocate the ship in the Mediterranean. French authorities say they have launched an investigation and taken "appropriate measures" over the operational-security breach.

2026-03-27T10:12:37.203433-07:00

Sailor's Strava workout exposes aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle location; France probes security breach

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Aircraft Carrier News

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sets post-Vietnam deployment record at 296 days

US deploys 82nd Airborne to Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate

USS Gerald R. Ford Withdrawn from Middle East After Laundry-room Fire, Exposing Wider Readiness Shortfalls

Fixed and AI FOD detection systems deployed to spot debris at airports and on carrier decks

News Timeline