USS Ford has seen war, fire and plumbing woes as it nears a record long deployment
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USS Ford aircraft carrier exceeds typical deployment length with mechanical issues while deployed to Red Sea.
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The USS Ford departed Norfolk, Virginia on June 24 and has now spent more than nine months deployed, currently operating in the Red Sea amid conflict with Iran with no announced return date. The carrier's extended deployment has already exceeded typical mission lengths while the crew contends with multiple shipboard challenges including mechanical and infrastructure issues. The prolonged absence marks one of the longest deployments in the vessel's operational history, straining crew readiness and maintenance capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
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