CNN report reveals extensive fire damage on USS Gerald R. Ford

In March, a fire broke out on the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, while it was deployed in the Middle East near the Red Sea. While the U.S. Navy initially stated the fire was quickly contained and the ship remained fully operational with only two minor injuries, newly released CNN footage contradicts this account. The video shows severe destruction in crew quarters, including melted metal, damaged ceilings, and destroyed bunks. Sailors on board reported that the ship's automated fire suppression systems failed, forcing them to manually combat the blaze. An anonymous sailor stated that the crew feared they might lose the vessel entirely. A senior U.S. official acknowledged to CNN that the Navy's original public statement significantly underestimated the severity of the incident. The ship was involved in operations in the region when the fire occurred.