USS Gerald R. Ford Departs Split, Croatia
02 April 2026
MEDITERRANEAN SEA - The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departed the Port of Split, Croatia, following a five-day port visit, March 28-April 2.
Gerald R. Ford remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation.
During the port visit, Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Warfare Commanders, met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nicole McGraw to discuss the strike group’s ongoing deployment and continued mission readiness.
The ship’s crew took time to enjoy some liberty in Croatia’s historic and hospitable city, as well as go on tours and events scheduled by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team. Additionally, the ship completed scheduled repairs and received supplies to sustain operations. The routine investigation into the ship’s laundry and berthing fire is ongoing.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed on deployment from Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, conducting operations in the Arctic Circle, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and 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.