The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier and the first vessel of its class, arrived at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday following an 11-month deployment.
Navy officials confirmed this was the longest deployment for a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War, during which the ship participated in operations related to the conflict with Iran. The vessel, named for the 38th U.S. president, was commissioned on July 22, 2017, by then-President Donald Trump, after its keel was laid on November 14, 2009. Originally slated for delivery in 2015, the carrier was handed over to the Navy on May 31, 2017.
It replaced the decommissioned USS Enterprise (CVN-65), which concluded 51 years of active service in December 2012. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin praised the crew’s performance, stating the deployment demonstrated U.S. commitment to a global military presence.
Admiral Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, noted that the carrier’s advanced capabilities and the crew’s work sent a clear message to adversaries, including Iran’s regime, China’s Communist Party, and Russia’s leadership. The deployment also involved exercises and operations with NATO allies and other partner nations. The Ford’s nearly year-long mission highlighted the importance of alliances such as NATO, AUKUS, and the Quad in maintaining regional stability. The ship operated in diverse environments, from the Persian Gulf to the North Atlantic, according to Navy officials.
Its participation in the Iran conflict underscored U.S. resolve to protect its interests and those of its allies in the region. With a crew of more than 5,000 personnel, the carrier is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced radar and combat systems.
The return to Norfolk allows the crew time to rest and the ship to undergo routine maintenance and upgrades. Local officials welcomed the carrier’s homecoming, citing economic benefits for the Norfolk area. A ceremony honoring the crew is scheduled for May 16, 2026, with Secretary Austin and other senior officials expected to attend.
Navy leaders emphasized that the Ford’s performance validated its ability to operate effectively across various theaters and reinforced the importance of interoperability with allied forces. As the U.S. addresses evolving global security challenges, the carrier remains a key asset ready for rapid deployment to defend American interests and support partner nations.
