RED SEA — A prolonged fire aboard the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford burned for more than 30 hours, reported on March 16, 2026, leaving dozens of sailors exposed to smoke and forcing hundreds of crew members from their living quarters, according to reports and military officials.
The blaze reportedly broke out in the ship’s main laundry facility, where it spread through ventilation systems before damage control teams were able to bring it under control. Sailors worked for over a day to extinguish the fire, highlighting the intensity of the incident aboard one of the world’s most advanced warships.
U.S. military officials confirmed that two sailors sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while dozens more were affected by smoke inhalation during the firefighting effort.
The fire caused significant disruption onboard, with more than 600 crew members losing access to their sleeping quarters due to damage and safety concerns. Many sailors were forced to sleep on floors and makeshift spaces as sections of the ship remained unusable following the incident.
Despite the severity of the blaze, officials said the ship’s propulsion systems were not affected, and the carrier remained operational, continuing its mission in the region.
The incident comes during an extended deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been operating in the Middle East as part of ongoing U.S. military operations linked to regional tensions. Analysts note that the carrier’s prolonged time at sea — approaching record deployment lengths — has placed increasing strain on both the vessel and its crew.
Military experts say fires aboard aircraft carriers are particularly dangerous due to the confined environment and presence of fuel, equipment, and aircraft systems. The rapid response by the crew likely prevented a more serious disaster.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with early reports suggesting it may have originated from equipment within the laundry area rather than from combat-related activity.
The incident underscores the operational challenges faced by naval forces during prolonged deployments, especially amid heightened military activity in the region.