USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Split for Bilateral Visit

The United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, arrived in Split on 21 October 2025, marking another significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation between Croatia and the United States.

The port call is part of the broader bilateral military cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the U.S. Navy, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening defence partnerships.

This is the second visit of the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier to Croatia — the first took place in June 2023, when the imposing vessel also anchored in Split.

The visit will include a series of bilateral activities and professional exchanges between U.S. and Croatian naval personnel, reinforcing defence ties and mutual understanding between the two allies.

According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb,

“The visit is part of the ongoing deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations to support warfighting readiness and maritime security of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and to reinforce U.S., Allied, and partner commitments to stability and security in Europe.”

The Embassy added that,

“Routine port calls such as this one strengthen defence partnerships and reflect the close relationship between the United States and Croatia, a valued NATO Ally.”