USS Gerald R. Ford to undergo maintenance after onboard fire and plumbing issues

[rangerrebew]

USS Gerald R. Ford to undergo maintenance after onboard fire and plumbing issues
By Riley Ceder
 Thursday, Jul 9, 2026
 
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford pulled into Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, on July 7, 2026, in advance of its Planned Incremental Availability. (Shelby West/U.S. Navy)
The world’s largest aircraft carrier pulled into Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Tuesday to begin scheduled repairs after wrapping up the longest post-Vietnam carrier deployment.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and its sailors returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on May 16 following 326 days at sea that saw a non-combat fire in the main laundry room and significant plumbing issues. The Ford most notably operated in the Middle East in support of U.S. Central Command and Operation Epic Fury against Iran.


“This marks Gerald R. Ford’s first regularly scheduled availability at a public shipyard as well as the first time a Ford-class aircraft carrier has been serviced at NNSY,” the Navy said.

The ship will undergo modernizations and inspections and is set to finish its aircraft carrier availability early, the service said.

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/07/09/uss-gerald-r-ford-to-undergo-maintenance-after-onboard-fire-and-plumbing-issues/

[rangerrebew]

Back in the day, when I was on a fairly elderly carrier, plumbing problems were not all that uncommon.  One night out to sea I got up to use the head down the passageway and immediately noted water and turds sloshing back and forth.  So, it was time to find one that wasn't "occupied" that way.  A guy from the berthing area across from us got up to do a number at the same time.  But he handled it differently.  It is important to note he didn't even have shower shoes on.  He shrugged, and in he went, not the least intimidated by the turds and pee splashing around his feet.  What a he-man!