Fire aboard USS Gerald Ford burned for hours and left hundreds without beds: Report

Published March 16, 2026 10:45pm ET



A fire aboard the USS Gerald Ford was reportedly more severe than previously thought, burning for hours and leaving hundreds of sailors without beds.

A fire, which started in the aircraft carrier’s laundry area on Thursday, was confirmed by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet the same day. The statement only said the fire was “not combat-related and is contained,” left two sailors with “non-life threatening injuries,” and hadn’t harmed the ship’s operability. However, a New York Times report on Monday revealed that the fire was more extensive and damaging than previously believed, gutting part of the ship’s quarters.

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