America's 13 billion dollar Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has been withdrawn from operations in the Iran conflict after a series of mechanical and onboard failures, including malfunctioning toilets, sewage system breakdowns and a fire that damaged living quarters. The vessel, which had been deployed to the Middle East, left the Red Sea and is now docked in Crete for repairs, with reports suggesting it could be sidelined for up to a year.

The carrier has faced persistent sanitation problems since at least 2020, linked to a high tech vacuum waste system adapted from the cruise industry. Maintenance has proven costly and labor intensive, with repeated clogs and so called acid flushes adding millions in expenses. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the toll on sailors, citing inoperable laundry facilities and worsening living conditions during the extended deployment.

A fire on March 12 in a laundry area filled sections of the ship with smoke, damaging berthing spaces and contaminating mattresses and linens. Some sailors were forced to sleep on the floor for days, and helicopters were used to transport laundry to other ships after onboard facilities were knocked out. An investigation into the fire is underway as the Navy assesses repairs and resupply needs.