The United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has made port in Split, Croatia, as part of its current operational deployment within the U.S. 6th Fleet’s area. This arrival follows its transit from Greece, where the vessel underwent comprehensive resupply, refuelling, and necessary repair activities, according to an announcement by the U.S. Navy.
The carrier, recognized as the world’s most immense warship, dropped anchor in the Adriatic harbor on March 29th. This occurred subsequent to its departure from Souda Bay, where it had conducted an operational port call between March 23rd and 26th. That period was dedicated to crucial logistics support and essential maintenance tasks in preparation for its continuing missions.
This visit marks the second occasion the Gerald R. Ford has called at Split during its present deployment, having previously stopped in the Croatian city in October 2025. During that earlier visit, the vessel graciously hosted Nicole McGraw, the U.S. Ambassador to Croatia.
“Our crew is incredibly excited to be back in Split for some well-deserved shore leave,” stated Captain David Skarosi, the commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. “They have accomplished a tremendous amount since our inaugural visit in October. We are profoundly thankful to the Croatian community for once more opening their historic and beautiful city of Split to us.”
While stationed in Souda Bay, personnel from the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center, comprising engineers and naval specialists, performed a thorough repair assessment following a blaze that occurred aboard the ship. Investigations into the incident, which originated within the vessel’s laundry facilities, are presently ongoing. The ship’s company, alongside local industry collaborators, also assisted in restoring seven berthing compartments that had been impacted by the fire.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group commenced its deployment in June 2025, upon its departure from Naval Station Norfolk. Since that time, it has executed operations across numerous operational zones, including the Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea, providing support for a diverse array of joint and collaborative assignments.
This strike group is composed of Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill. It continues its mission as an integral component of the U.S. Navy’s strategic forward presence throughout Europe. The U.S. Navy indicated that the group’s operations are part of extensive endeavors to deter hostility and uphold naval security across the entire region.