A US Navy aircraft carrier damaged in a recent non-combat-related fire will withdraw from the Red Sea for repairs, leaving only one American carrier to support ongoing military operations against Iran, according to a source familiar with the situation on March 18.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, will sail to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete, or potentially another European port, for maintenance and replenishment following the blaze that broke out in its laundry facility last week.
The vessel is currently operating in the Red Sea. Its departure means US Central Command will be left with only the USS Abraham Lincoln to support military actions against Iran.
According to military officials, the fire rendered more than 100 berths aboard the Ford unusable, with approximately 200 sailors requiring medical evaluation for smoke inhalation.
Related News:
US considers deploying thousands of troops to Middle East amid tensions with Iran: Source
US conceals severity of USS Ford fire: Over 600 left without beds after laundry facilities damaged
Comment