Two U.S. Navy sailors were treated for injuries after a fire broke out in the main laundry room of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on Thursday.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the incident in a statement, emphasizing that the fire was “not combat-related.” The blaze was quickly extinguished by the ship’s onboard fire suppression teams, preventing significant damage to the $13 billion aircraft carrier.
The fire reportedly began during routine operations while the vessel was stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials were quick to rule out any hostile action or external threats.
Two sailors sustained minor injuries. They were treated by the ship’s medical department and have since been cleared for duty. The fire was contained strictly to the laundry compartment. No critical flight deck systems or propulsion units were affected.
The USS Gerald R. Ford remains fully mission-capable and continues its scheduled deployment.
