SOÚDA, Greece, March 23 (V7N) – The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier and a key player in recent Middle East war operations, returned Monday to Souda Bay naval base in Crete, an AFP photographer reported.  

The Ford had previously resupplied at Souda Bay in February, taking on food, fuel, and ammunition. On March 12, a laundry fire aboard the vessel injured two sailors and damaged around 100 beds, according to the U.S. military.  

The carrier, along with the USS Abraham Lincoln, has been central to U.S. and Israeli air campaigns against Iran since late February. Its withdrawal leaves a gap in U.S. regional operations. “Taking the Ford off the board for any significant length of time means less U.S. support to war efforts,” said Daniel Schneiderman, director of global policy programs at Penn Washington. He noted that accompanying ships with air defence capabilities may mitigate the immediate impact.  

- The Ford has been at sea for nearly nine months, participating in operations across multiple regions.  

- In the Caribbean, it took part in strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, interdicted sanctioned tankers, and assisted in the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.  

- Reports have highlighted technical issues, including problems with the ship’s toilet system, causing long lines for restrooms.  

U.S. Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the prolonged deployment, saying: “The Ford and its crew have been pushed to the brink after nearly a year at sea, and they have been paying the price for President Donald Trump’s reckless military decisions.”  

The Ford’s return to Crete underscores both the strain on U.S. naval forces and the continuing challenges of extended deployments in volatile regions.  

END/WD/RH