Navy's Latest Extension May Break Vietnam-Era Records

The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford is expected to remain at sea for 11 months, according to Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby. The carrier’s deployment was initially slated to last seven months, but has been extended to support operations in the Middle East against the Iranian regime. The Ford has been at sea for 253 days so far, and the extended deployment may break previous records set during the Vietnam-era. The Navy has sought to reassure that the ship’s systems are operating within expected parameters, despite reports of plumbing challenges and crew morale concerns. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.