Ford Sets Post-Cold War Carrier Deployment Milestone
TL;DR
The USS Gerald R. Ford has become the record-holder for the longest carrier deployment since the Cold War, at about 295 days as of April 15, 2026, with operations spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The extended mission—potentially near 11 months—has raised concerns about Norfolk Naval Shipyard maintenance schedules as the ship supports CENTCOM and deterrence in the Mediterranean while awaiting return and maintenance readiness.
- USS Gerald R. Ford Breaks Post-Cold War Deployment Record USNI News
- The record-breaking trip of the USS Gerald Ford, the aircraft carrier at the center of Trump’s military ambitions CNN
- US Navy Supercarrier Set To Break Record For Longest Modern Deployment Forbes
- USS Gerald R. Ford breaks record for longest post-Vietnam deployment Navy Times
- Ford’s long deployment sets a record, with another coming soon The Virginian-Pilot
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