Nearly 4,500 sailors are returning to Virginia in what Navy officials say is the longest carrier strike group deployment since the Vietnam War.
After nearly 11 months at sea, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group return The return home on Saturday marks the end of a record-breaking deployment that Navy officials said was the longest deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group since the Vietnam War.
The strike group deployed in June 2025 and spent several months supporting U.S. overseas military and maritime operations.
Returning to Norfolk, Virginia, nearly 4,500 sailors were assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford and the guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan.
Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth attended the homecoming ceremony to welcome the sailors and their families after the extended deployment.
During its deployment, the strike group supported Operation Southern Spear and Operation Absolute Resolve in the Caribbean, including operations related to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The group later supported Operation Epic Fury related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The lengthy deployment also poses challenges for the aircraft carrier. In March, a fire broke out in the laundry area, injuring two sailors and forcing hundreds of crew members from their sleeping quarters. Reports of plumbing and bathroom issues also emerged during the mission.
Rep. Elaine Luria described the nearly year-long deployment as “extremely long, challenging and arduous” in a statement while thanking the sailors and their families for their service and sacrifice.
