The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford is set to return to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday, concluding what is believed to be the longest deployment by a U.S. warship since the Vietnam War. Originally scheduled for routine port visits in the Mediterranean and the North Sea, the ship’s mission underwent a series of significant shifts beginning in October while it was docked in Split, Croatia.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth redirected the Ford to the Caribbean as part of preparations for a high-profile U.S. commando raid in January that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Subsequently, the carrier was sent to the Middle East amid escalating tensions and in anticipation of potential conflict with Iran.

The extended deployment presented multiple challenges for the approximately 4,500 sailors aboard. Their service was marked by a major fire in the Red Sea that damaged the ship’s laundry room and spread through its ventilation system. The blaze took roughly 30 hours to extinguish and left around 600 crew members without their berthing quarters. Sailors also faced food shortages, mail delivery delays, and ongoing mechanical issues with the ship’s aircraft launch and recovery systems.

Carrier deployments typically last about six months, occasionally extending to eight. However, the Ford’s deployment surpassed these norms, leading to increased strain on both the crew and the vessel’s mechanical systems. The prolonged absence forced the ship to miss a scheduled maintenance period at a Virginia shipyard, leaving some of the carrier’s technical problems unaddressed for an extended time.

Family members of Ford crew expressed growing concern over the duration and conditions of the deployment. At least two spouses spoke publicly, noting the emotional toll caused by the uncertainty and hardships faced by their loved ones. Erica Feiste, new to the Navy lifestyle, described communication as “better than expected” but acknowledged the overall length and difficulties exceeded her expectations.

In late March, a town hall meeting held at Naval Station Norfolk provided an outlet for families to voice frustrations directly to Navy leadership. The session, attended by senior officials John Phelan and Hung Cao, was marked by vocal dissatisfaction and emotional statements. One attendee read a letter from a Ford sailor expressing loss of faith in Navy support, highlighting fears that seeking mental health care could negatively affect career prospects. The letter resonated strongly with the audience, drawing applause.

Following months of internal disagreement at the Pentagon, John Phelan was relieved of his duties as Secretary of the Navy in April. The Navy has not issued an immediate response regarding the concerns raised by families during the town hall meeting or the prolonged deployment of the Gerald R. Ford and its strike group.