The United States Navy said that the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford caught fire on Thursday while operating in the Red Sea. According to the Navy, the fire started in the ship’s laundry area, had no connection to military operations, and was quickly brought under control. Two American sailors sustained minor injuries in the incident and are currently receiving medical care. The United States Central Command said the vessel’s propulsion system was not damaged and the carrier remains fully operational. The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest and newest aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet. It carries more than 5,000 sailors and over 75 aircraft, including F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets. The carrier is currently deployed in the Red Sea in support of U.S. operations against Iran. The USS Gerald R. Ford has been stationed in the region for more than nine months and recently also took part in operations in the Caribbean.
