The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in Crete, Greece on Monday, the 23rd, after completing its mission deployment in the Middle East. 

The aircraft carrier had previously docked here in February for resupply of food, fuel, and ammunition, but its deployment mission was cut short due to a major fire onboard.

The ship had previously suffered significant damage to its internal plumbing, flooding some bathrooms and living quarters. The fire that occurred on March 12 originated in the ship's laundry room.

Prior to the fire, on March 9, Admiral James Kilby stated that the USS Gerald R. Ford was scheduled to complete its 11-month deployment. This meant it would be operating until May of this year.

According to The Hill, the Ford is now scheduled to remain at Souda Bay in Crete indefinitely. The Ford is one of two aircraft carriers deployed by the U.S. to the region as part of the ongoing conflict with Iran, alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The Department of Defense had previously authorized the deployment of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), consisting of several warships and approximately 5,000 Marines, to the region.

By Hong Sung-goo, Chief Reporter, U.S. NNP / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com