The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has arrived at the Souda naval base in Crete after an extended deployment in the Middle East, highlighting ongoing US military activity in the region.
The carrier entered the base near Marathi in Chania at around 11 a.m. under heightened security measures. Unlike previous visits, crew members are not expected to be granted shore leave, reflecting tighter controls linked to regional tensions.
US officials have tied the ship’s presence to recent developments in the Middle East, including ongoing operations involving Iran. Authorities are also investigating a fire that broke out onboard, which caused damage and left several sailors injured.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has remained at sea for roughly nine to ten months, significantly exceeding standard six-month deployments. During that time, it supported operations across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Following the onboard incident, the carrier was redirected to Crete for technical inspections and repairs. It remains unclear how long the vessel will stay at Souda Bay, though it is expected to return to the United States after maintenance is completed.
The arrival reinforces the strategic importance of Souda Bay, a key hub for NATO and US military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly amid heightened regional activity.