FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has docked in the port of Split in Croatia for repairs and maintenance, after a long operational period in various regions, including the Middle East.
According to Reuters reporting, the ship - the newest and largest in the US fleet - was deployed in the Red Sea in support of US-Israeli military operations against Iran, when on March 12 a fire broke out outside combat situations in one of the interior spaces.
The fire in the main laundry room injured three sailors, while about 200 others received medical treatment for smoke inhalation-related problems. The flames were brought under control after several hours and caused damage affecting about 100 accommodation spaces on board.
The ship has been on a mission for about nine months and, before its deployment to the Middle East, had also taken part in operations in the Caribbean against Venezuela. During that time, technical problems have also been reported, including defects in the hydraulic systems that have affected the functioning of hundreds of toilets on board.
Before arriving in Croatia, the aircraft carrier had temporarily stopped at the naval base in Souda Bay, on the Greek island of Crete.
The Croatian government, a NATO member, approved the ship's presence on its territory earlier this week. According to the US Embassy in Zagreb, during its stay in Split, Gerald R. Ford will host local officials and important leaders, as part of strengthening relations between the US and Croatia.
The arrival of this ship in the Adriatic comes at a tense international moment, also reflecting the region's strategic importance for US military operations and logistics.
Lini një Përgjigje