The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departed Split after a five-day repair stay. The US Navy confirmed that maintenance was complete and supplies had been restocked.

The ship had previously left the Middle East after suffering fire damage during confrontations with Iran. Officials confirmed the vessel remains mission-ready and is likely returning to the region.

The carrier was sent to the Middle East in mid-February. Additional carrier groups USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush are also moving to the region with destroyers and more than 6,000 sailors. The Ford strike group has operated across the Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Red Sea since June 2025.