US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford enters Split

Ministry of Defense: Planned visit and maintenance

“The aircraft carrier of the 6th Fleet of the United States Navy USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) entered the Split waters today. The Croatian Government previously approved the entry into the internal waters of the Republic of Croatia and the stay in the port,” the Ministry of Defense announced.

“The arrival of the US aircraft carrier in Split is part of a planned visit to the port of Split and maintenance. The aircraft carrier's entry into the port of Split is a reflection of the alliance between Croatia and the United States, our NATO ally and strategic partner,” the statement added.

US Embassy: Strong Alliance with Croatia

“During its visit, the USS GERALD R. FORD will host local officials and key leaders to reaffirm the strong and enduring alliance between the United States and Croatia,” the US Embassy in Croatia announced, describing the relationship between the two countries as close and Croatia a "valued NATO ally and friend."

“US Navy units frequently visit Croatia for repairs and joint exercises,” the embassy added.

“The visit provides the crew with an important opportunity to enjoy Croatia's rich culture and natural beauty, and provides the United States with an additional opportunity to engage with a key ally and strengthen the US-Croatian relationship, rooted in shared values and security interests,” the US Embassy stressed.

This time, there will be no tour of the ship for journalists.

The largest warship ever built

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) first visited the Republic of Croatia in Split in June 2023, and the last time in October 2025.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the largest warship ever built. It is more than 330 meters long, 76 meters high and has 25 decks. It cost $12.8 billion to build, with another $4.7 billion spent on research and development. It can carry 75 aircraft. In addition to the flight crew, the crew consists of 4,500 crew members.

The ship carries America's most advanced carrier-based fighters, the F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye reconnaissance and early warning aircraft, EA-18G Growler naval attack aircraft, and MH-60R/S multirole helicopters and numerous types of unmanned aerial vehicles.

It was named after the 38th American president, Gerald Rudolph Ford, and its home port is in Norfolk, Virginia.

From the Middle East to Split

The USS Gerald R. Ford deployed to the Middle East in February amid tensions over Iran's nuclear and missile programs, which later culminated in the February 28 launch of a United States-Israeli military campaign against the country.

This move followed weeks of US military reinforcements in the Middle East, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.

At the beginning of March, a fire broke out in the laundry on the ship, which was not related to the military action. The fire was brought under control in time. The American media also announced that there were problems with clogged toilets on the ship.

Source: HRT