The US Navy announced that its aircraft carrier, the USSGerald R. Ford, had departed Split, Croatia, on April 2nd, concluding a five-day visit that commenced on March 28th.
This colossal vessel, recognized as the globe’s largest naval combatant, continues its stationing in the Mediterranean Sea. As a component of Carrier Strike Group 12, it stands ready for complete operational assignments, aimed at advancing American national objectives, the US Navy confirmed.
“The crew members of the vessel capitalized on leisure time in Croatia’s venerable and welcoming metropolis. They also participated in various excursions and activities, which had been coordinated by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. Furthermore, the ship underwent planned maintenance and received provisions required for sustained missions. A standard inquiry into the fire that occurred in the ship’s laundry and sleeping quarters remains active.”
Throughout the stopover, Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, who leads Carrier Strike Group 12, along with other high-ranking naval commanders, convened with Nicole McGraw, the American Ambassador to Croatia. Their conversations centered on the task force’s current mission and its preparedness for operations while strategically stationed in the area.
Beyond formal meetings, the stopover presented an occasion for personnel to disembark in Split, featuring structured excursions and events arranged by the vessel’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. During its time in port, the ship also performed standard upkeep and received provisions necessary for continued missions. A probe into an earlier reported blaze within a laundry and sleeping compartment continues.
The USSGerald R. Fordcommenced its deployment from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025. Since then, it has conducted operations spanning a vast geographic region, encompassing the Arctic Circle, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean, and the Red Sea. Throughout its mission, the carrier group has participated in numerous collaborative and integrated exercises.
Comprising the aircraft carrier as its principal vessel, Carrier Strike Group 12 also incorporates Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USSWinston S. Churchill. Presently, this task force operates within the purview of the US 6th Fleet.
The US Navy indicates that this mission advances various aims, such as discouraging aggression, providing aid to allies and confederates, and ensuring unimpeded transit and fiscal stability across vital oceanic territories.