World’s largest warship heads home after longest deployment in ‘modern history’

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Carrier Strike Group is returning to Naval Station Norfolk after a historic 11-month deployment, the US Navy announced.

The crew of over 4,500 sailors completed a 300+ day, record-setting deployment, supporting operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Atlantic regions.

Homecomings commenced yesterday as squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 returned to their respective bases.

The flagship and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 will arrive in the coming days to officially conclude their deployment, according to the navy.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed on deployment from Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on June 24, 2025.

In November 2025, the vessel entered the US Southern Command area of responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR), conducting missions in the Caribbean waters. The aircraft carrier was then redeployed to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group already operating in the region.

The aircraft carrier recently hosted a high-level US Navy visit while operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao arrived aboard the carrier via a C-2A Greyhound assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40, conducting an at-sea visit while the ship remained underway. The aircraft taxied on the flight deck before departing with the senior official following the scheduled engagement.

The shipwas delivered to the US Navy in May 2017 and commissioned by President Donald Trump during a July 2017 ceremony. It completed its first deployment in 2024.

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