Newly released video footage shows the immense danger faced by the world’s largest aircraft carrier as it came close to sinking following a fire incident. The USS Gerald R Ford, a US aircraft carrier, sustained significant damage from a ‘system failure’ during an Iran attack that led to a fire onboard several months ago. Despite initial assurances from the US Navy that the situation was under control, recent footage obtained by CNN reveals a more dire reality, with extensive damage visible on the ship.
The video depicts the aftermath of the fire, showcasing burnt and twisted bunks, charred metal structures, dangling wires, and piles of ash and debris scattered across the ship. A sailor who fought the blaze expressed his fear of losing the ship during the intense firefight, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He mentioned that the fire should have been contained by the ship’s built-in suppression system, hinting at a potential malfunction.
An anonymous sailor disclosed that despite the Navy’s claims of the carrier being “fully operational,” the impact of the fire was downplayed, affecting the ship’s operational capabilities and forcing it to undergo extensive cleanup and repairs. The USS Ford’s crew spent approximately 30 hours extinguishing the fire and addressing its aftermath, with around 600 sailors losing access to their bunks due to the damage.
Following the incident, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle confirmed a temporary halt in the ship’s operations, with a delay of two days before it could resume missions. The USS Ford, valued at £9.6 billion, played a crucial role in military operations against Iran, facing continuous threats from enemy missiles and attack drones during its historic 11-month deployment at sea.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the resilience and swift recovery of the USS Ford underscored the crew’s exceptional training and dedication. Maritime strategist Hunter Stires commended the crew’s response, highlighting the Navy’s focus on damage control preparedness to ensure ship survivability in the face of unforeseen events. The vessel’s return to service after the fire showcased the crew’s commitment and expertise, indicating a successful recovery from the incident.
With its advanced technology and capabilities, the USS Ford is one of the newest US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, equipped with cutting-edge systems for launching various aircraft types. Following the fire and extensive voyage, the ship is set to undergo an extended maintenance period, potentially delaying its return to sea for up to a year. Plans are being considered to bridge the operational gap during this maintenance phase, ensuring continuity in naval operations.