U.S. Aircraft Carrier Leaves Red Sea Because of Laundry Room Fire

The saga of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, shows that even an advanced multibillion-dollar critical capability can be taken out of service without enemy action. USNI News reported on March 18 that, following last week’s laundry room fire, the Ford was preparing to leave the Red Sea for Souda Bay, Crete, for repairs. A U.S. Navy official confirmed the plan and added that the ship will be pierside for more than a week.