USS Gerald R. Ford Battles Fire, Crew Faces Harsh Conditions Amid Record Deployment

• A fire on the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Middle East affected sleeping arrangements for over 600 sailors; it took 30 hours to extinguish.
• Sailors suffered smoke inhalation and minor injuries; many are now forced to sleep on floors and tables, lacking laundry facilities.
• The aircraft carrier is in its 11th month of continuous deployment, potentially breaking the record for the longest since the Vietnam War.
• Crew members face severe issues like 45-minute toilet lines, despite the USS Ford being the most expensive aircraft carrier in history.
• US Central Command states main systems are operational, but prolonged deployment is causing significant strain on the crew and ship.