The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returned to Norfolk, Virginia, on May 17, 2026, after a historic 326-day deployment, the longest for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was present to welcome the ship back. The carrier's mission included operations in the Caribbean, where it was involved in strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats and the seizure of sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Following its Caribbean operations, the Ford was deployed to the Middle East to engage in combat operations against Iran amid escalating tensions. The deployment was not without challenges; a fire in the laundry room on March 12 injured two sailors and caused significant damage, impacting around 100 beds. Additionally, the carrier faced notable issues with its toilet system while at sea, complicating the already demanding conditions of its extended mission. The return of the USS Gerald R. Ford marks a significant moment for the US Navy as it reflects on the challenges and accomplishments of this lengthy deployment.