{"id":634,"date":"2026-05-17T01:40:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T01:40:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/humanitystories.pics\/?p=634"},"modified":"2026-05-17T01:40:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T01:40:50","slug":"uss-ford-worlds-largest-aircraft-carrier-returns-home-after-11-month-deployment-job-well-done","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/humanitystories.pics\/?p=634","title":{"rendered":"USS Ford, world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier, returns home after 11-month deployment: \u2018Job well done\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The world\u2019s largest aircraft carrier finally returned to its home port in Virginia Saturday after a record 11-month deployment after overcoming Iranian threats, a dangerous fire \u2013 and big plumbing problems.<\/p>\n

The USS Gerald R. Ford, with a crew of about 4,500 and a long to-do list, arrived at Naval Station Norfolk after an often crappy 326-day deployment \u2013 a post-Vietnam-era record.<\/p>\n

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was there for homecoming, which also included the crew of the destroyer USS Bainbridge.<\/p>\n

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Juan Caceres kisses Heidi Eckstein after disembarking the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The USS Gerald R. Ford arrives at Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.\u00a0Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth greets people on Pier 11 as the USS Gerald R. Ford arrives at Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia.\u00a0Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hegseth commended the crew of the Bainbridge for a \u201cjob well done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t just accomplish a mission, you made history,\u201d Hegseth said on the destroyer\u2019s deck. \u201cYou made a nation proud.\u201d Hegseth also spoke to the crews of the\u00a0USS Mahan<\/a>, a destroyer, and the Ford.<\/p>\n