USS Gerald R Ford catches fire in Red Sea; US denies Iranian attack

One of two United States aircraft carriers operating in the Middle East region, USS Gerald R Ford, caught fire in the Red Sea on Thursday, 12 March local time. The US Navy quickly confirmed that the fire was unrelated to military operations against Iran.

At least two crew members of USS Gerald R Ford, which is the world’s largest aircraft carrier, sustained injuries from the fire.

US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), also known as the Fifth Fleet, announced on Friday, 13 March 2026, that USS Gerald R Ford experienced a fire whilst operating in the Red Sea in support of military operations against Iran.

NAVCENT emphasised that the fire originated in the main laundry compartment of the aircraft carrier and was unrelated to ongoing combat operations.

“On 12 March, USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) experienced a fire originating from the main laundry compartment. The cause of the fire is not related to combat, and the fire has been extinguished,” NAVCENT stated regarding the incident.

“There is no damage to the ship’s propulsion systems, and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational,” NAVCENT asserted in its statement.

NAVCENT noted that two US sailors sustained injuries from the fire and are receiving medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Both sailors are reported to be in stable condition.

The US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group are currently operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury, which involves combined US and Israeli operations against Iran since 28 February.

In addition to USS Gerald R Ford, the US has also deployed USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East region to support these military operations.