USS Gerald R. Ford Crew Demonstrates Resilience, Readiness During Extended Deployment

Navy leaders acknowledge the real sacrifice of extended deployments but say the crew remains focused, capable and proud of their work.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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More than eight months into an extended deployment, the Sailors of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) continue to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and sustained morale while serving far from home. Navy leaders emphasize that extended deployments demand endurance and sacrifice from both Sailors and their families, but say the crew of the Ford remains focused, capable and proud of their mission.

Why it matters

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship of a new class of aircraft carriers that incorporate advanced systems and technologies designed to increase lethality and readiness. The performance and resilience of the Ford's crew during this extended deployment is seen as a test of the Navy's ability to sustain operations with the new carrier class.

The details

Since departing Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, the USS Gerald R. Ford and Carrier Strike Group 12 have continued to operate at a high state of readiness. While there have been some reported issues with the ship's sanitation systems, Navy officials say these have been promptly addressed with minimal impact on operations. The crew has also maintained quality of life through initiatives like expanded internet access, morale events, and consistent food and water supplies.

  • USS Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025.
  • The ship recently completed a port call to Souda Bay, Crete for a routine resupply.

The players

Adm. Daryl Caudle

Chief of Naval Operations.

Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta

Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12.

Capt. David Skarosi

Commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford.

USS Gerald R. Ford

The lead ship of a new class of aircraft carriers that incorporates advanced systems and technologies.

Carrier Strike Group 12

Includes USS Gerald R. Ford, embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight, and assigned guided-missile destroyers.

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What they’re saying

“Extended deployments demand endurance. They ask Sailors to miss births, anniversaries, and everyday moments at home. They ask families to shoulder additional responsibility. That sacrifice is real, and we do not take it lightly.”

— Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations (Seapower Magazine)

“Long deployments are challenging. Fatigue accumulates and time away from home weighs on Sailors. Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure they are supported — with reliable shipboard services, clear communication, and consistent engagement.”

— Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12 (Seapower Magazine)

“On a ship this size, with this many Sailors, clogs will occur. What matters is how quickly they are resolved. Our maintenance teams respond immediately, and the system continues to function as designed with no impact to operational readiness or our ability to meet our mission.”

— Capt. David Skarosi, Commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford (Seapower Magazine)

What’s next

The Navy will continue to closely monitor the performance of the USS Gerald R. Ford's systems and the resilience of the crew as the extended deployment continues.

The takeaway

The USS Gerald R. Ford and its crew have demonstrated the ability to sustain high-tempo operations for an extended period, even in the face of challenges like sanitation issues and the strain of prolonged time away from home. This is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the Sailors serving aboard the new class of aircraft carrier.