Report: New video exposes damage on USS Gerald R. Ford after Red Sea fire incident

June 5, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

A new video has emerged showing the aftermath of a fire aboard the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in the Middle East earlier this year, suggesting the incident was more serious than initially reported.

Illustration; Credit: US Navy via Twitter

When the blaze broke out in March on the USS Gerald R. Ford, the US Navy said the fire originated in the ship’s main laundry spaces and was not combat-related.

Two sailors sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment. Officials described their injuries as non-life-threatening, adding that both personnel are in stable condition.

The navy also confirmed that the fire did not damage the carrier’s propulsion plant and that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier remains fully mission capable.

At the time of the incident, the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group were operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury, the US-led military campaign targeting Iranian military capabilities across the region.

Fire breaks out aboard USS Gerald R. Ford in Red Sea

Operations

However, video obtained by CNN shows extensive destruction in the affected sleeping quarters, with bunk areas burned out, metal frames twisted, and ceilings visibly damaged. The footage also shows exposed wiring and heavy soot and debris throughout the compartment.

View on Twitter.

One sailor told CNN he believed the situation could have escalated into a catastrophic loss of the ship, describing the incident as a “fight or die” moment during firefighting efforts.

According to CNN and a senior US official cited in the report, the carrier’s fire-suppression system did not function as intended, forcing crew members to respond manually to control the blaze.

Following the fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford during its Red Sea deployment, the aircraft carrier continued its operational voyage through the Mediterranean while undergoing damage assessment and repairs.

The vessel first arrived at Souda Bay, Crete, on March 23, where it conducted maintenance, resupply, and technical inspections, including assessments of fire-affected compartments and ongoing repairs supported by naval specialists.

After completing its initial stop in Greece, the carrier proceeded to Split, Croatia, on March 28 for further maintenance, logistics support, and crew respite as part of its extended deployment cycle.

Nearly 4,500 sailors aboard USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Naval Station Norfolk on May 16 after an 11-month deployment across the US 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleets. The ship has broken the record for the longest post-Vietnam War-era deployment.