Two sailors were injured after a fire broke out aboard the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) while it was operating in the Red Sea.
According to United States Naval Forces Central Command, the incident occurred on March 12 while the carrier was supporting operations related to tensions involving Iran.
Officials said the fire started in the ship’s main laundry area. Authorities confirmed that the incident was not related to combat operations and that the fire has since been contained.
The command added that the ship’s propulsion system was not damaged and the aircraft carrier remains fully operational.
Two sailors sustained injuries during the incident. Officials said the injuries were not life-threatening and both sailors are receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.
The aircraft carrier is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group currently deployed in the region.
The strike group began its latest deployment on June 24, departing from the US state of Virginia. It was first assigned to the United States European Command area of responsibility before conducting counter-narcotics missions in Latin America and later moving to the Middle East as tensions with Iran increased.
According to a report by Navy Times, the aircraft carrier has been at sea for more than 260 days during the current deployment.
Authorities said further details about the cause of the fire will be released once the investigation is completed.
