The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has returned to the USA after a mission of 326 days, the longest in recent history. The ship was involved in operations in the Middle East and the Caribbean.

The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest in the world, returned on Saturday to the port of Norfolk, USA, after a record mission of 326 days, announced by the Pentagon. This is the longest mission of an American carrier group since the Vietnam War.

USS Gerald R. Ford was sent to the Middle East by President Donald Trump before the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, having previously played roles in operations in the Caribbean, including airstrikes against drug traffickers and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The mission included a stop in Croatia for maintenance, after a fire injured two crew members. The ship also encountered problems with sanitary facilities, with reports of clogged drains and long lines at the toilet. USS Gerald R. Ford was met upon return by the Pentagon chief, Pete Hegseth.