CNN report challenges US narrative on fire aboard World’s newest aircraft carrier
SANAA, June 05 (YPA) – An investigative report by the American CNN network, featuring new footage and photos, disclosed detailed information regarding the recent fire aboard the newest U.S. aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford.
The report revealed that the operational and structural damage to the world’s most expensive naval vessel far surpasses the official account presented by U.S. Navy leadership, who appeared to downplay the severity of the incident.
According to a senior Pentagon official cited by the network, the carrier’s state-of-the-art automatic fire suppression system failed entirely for unknown reasons.
This failure forced hundreds of sailors to combat the blaze manually for several hours, risking their lives and allowing the fire to spread further.
The official noted that preliminary technical evaluations suggest the carrier will require extensive maintenance and structural repairs at a shipyard, potentially sidelining it for at least a year.
This represents a significant setback for U.S. military deployment plans.The Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the newest and most advanced U.S. Navy carrier, serving as the flagship of its class. It was built at a cost of approximately $13.3 billion, measures up to 337 meters in length, and is powered by two A1B nuclear reactors that enable it to operate without refueling for 20 years.
Weighing around 100,000 tons, the carrier supports a crew of over 4,500 personnel and can accommodate between 75 and 90 aircraft, including fifth-generation F-35C fighters. It relies entirely on an advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch system, replacing traditional steam catapults.
Military experts warn that the Gerald Ford’s year-long absence will create a critical gap in U.S. naval deterrence, especially amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Red Sea, and the Pacific.
These regions depend heavily on the carrier’s presence to maintain U.S. military influence and safeguard strategic interests and allies.