USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Split, Croatia

        The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) anchored in the Port of Split, Croatia, March 29, following an Adriatic Sea transit from Souda Bay, Greece, where the ship conducted a working port to resupply, refuel, and conduct repairs, March 23-26.

        This is Gerald R. Ford’s second visit in Split, Croatia, during its ongoing deployment. The ship originally visited the Dalmatian city Oct. 21-26, 2025, where it received a visit from Nicole McGraw, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia.
       
        “The crew is excited to be back in Split for some well-deserved liberty,” said Capt. David Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. “They have accomplished so much since our initial visit in October. We are extremely thankful to the Croatian community for opening their historic and beautiful city of Split to us once again.”
       
        While in Souda Bay, Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center personnel, including structural engineers, naval architects, and other subject matter experts, conducted a repair assessment, and military and federal civilian law enforcement continued investigations into a fire aboard the ship originating in the ship’s laundry facilities. Ship’s force personnel and local industry partners supported the rehabilitation of seven berthing compartments affected by the fire.
       
        The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed on deployment from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, conducting operations from the Arctic Circle, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Red Sea. The Carrier Strike Group’s support of multiple joint and combined operations around the world has solidified it as the world’s most capable, adaptable, and lethal military force.
       
        Carrier Strike Group Twelve, including flagship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron Two, and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as a premier instrument of national power in support of Commander-in-Chief tasking to deter aggression, preserve economic prosperity, and maintain free and open seas.