The fire on the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford burned for more than 30 hours before being extinguished. The blaze erupted in the ship's main laundry last Thursday, and dozens of crew members sought medical attention for smoke inhalation.

About 600 sailors lost their sleeping quarters and have since been sleeping on floors and tables. The ship, with a crew of 4,500 military personnel and pilots, has been at sea for ten months.

If the carrier remains deployed until mid-April, it will be the longest continuous deployment of a US carrier since the Vietnam War, surpassing the previous record of 294 days. Leadership hinted the mission could be extended to May, keeping personnel at sea for a full year — double the usual duration.

Military experts warn that extended operations put enormous strain on the ship and crew. "Ships get fatigued during prolonged operations, with wear affecting functionality," said retired Rear Admiral John Kirby.

The fire originated from a ventilation duct connected to a dryer and quickly spread throughout the entire compartment. The Pentagon confirmed the propulsion systems were not damaged. The carrier USS George H.W. Bush is being prepared as a potential replacement.