The US Navy initially stated that the fire was quickly contained, two sailors sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft carrier itself remained “fully ready for combat missions.” However, material obtained by journalists shows extensive destruction inside the ship.
According to CNN, the video shows completely destroyed living quarters for sailors. Only charred metal structures remained of the beds, the ceilings were severely damaged, and piles of ash and hanging wires were visible everywhere.
One of the crew members involved in fighting the fire told CNN that the situation was critical.
“I seriously thought we were going to lose the ship,” the sailor told reporters.
According to CNN sources, one of the main reasons the fire spread so widely was the failure of the standard firefighting system. This forced the crew to fight the flames on their own.
“This shouldn’t have happened. The ship’s integrated firefighting system should have extinguished the fire,” the sailor emphasized.
The crew reportedly fought the fire for about 30 hours and tried to prevent its re-ignition. Due to the damage, approximately 600 sailors lost access to their living quarters on board.
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According to a senior US official, the official Navy report downplayed the true consequences of the incident. In reality, the fire affected the ship’s ability to carry out combat missions. After the incident, it took the aircraft carrier two days to resume flight operations, and it was later forced to call at Greece for temporary repairs.
CNN notes that the USS Gerald R. Ford, commissioned in 2017, is the newest and most technologically advanced US nuclear aircraft carrier. According to the television channel, it was one of the main elements of US military operations against Iran and constantly faced the threat of missile and drone attacks.
War with Iran: latest information
As previously reported, the United States House of Representatives approved a resolution limiting US President Donald Trump’s powers to conduct military actions against Iran. The document was supported by 215 members of Congress, including four Republicans, while 208 voted against. For the resolution to take effect, it still needs to be approved by the Senate, but the president’s signature is not required.
Meanwhile, after the collapse of peace talks, the US and Iran periodically exchange blows. Recently, the US military reported shooting down Iranian missiles and drones and conducting a strike on Qeshm Island in response to Tehran’s attacks in the region.
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