Details emerge of damage to US Navy’s largest warship after fire

Hundreds of US military service members aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford were left without beds after a fire broke out last week, the New York Times reports.

US Central Command described the incident as “not combat-related” and said it caused no damage to the warship’s propulsion systems. The Gerald R. Ford is the largest ship in the US Navy, carrying over 4,500 sailors and pilots, and is taking part in the US-Israeli war against Iran.

The newspaper revealed on Monday that it took more than 30 hours to extinguish the fire, which originated in the ship’s main laundry area. Dozens suffered smoke inhalation, the report said, citing anonymous sources. More than 600 sailors lost their bunks and have since been sleeping on floors and tables. Many have been unable to do laundry since the incident.

The aircraft carrier was rushed to the Middle East after taking part in the military incursion in January in Venezuela that resulted in the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, and is now entering its tenth month of deployment.

According to the NYT, crew members expected the mission to stretch into May. The US Navy typically sails aircraft carriers for six months before long port calls for maintenance and shore leave.

Previous reporting noted that the $13 billion lead ship of its class, commissioned in 2017, has been plagued by toilet problems. The sewage system, similar to those in commercial aircraft, is undersized and prone to clogging, the Government Accountability Office said in 2020. Acid flushing to remove calcium buildup in narrow pipes costs around $400,000 and can only be done in port.

NPR reported in January that the warship called for outside help 42 times since 2023, with the frequency increasing over time.

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