America’s new $13bn aircraft carrier forced to retreat from Iran war because eco-friendly toilets won’t flush… as our brave sailors left to sleep on the floor after part of ship caught FIRE
America’s $13 billion aircraft carrier has been removed from operations in the Iran conflict after a series of aircraft malfunctions, from eco-friendly toilets that couldn’t be flushed to a fire that ripped apart parts of the ship.
USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier and the most expensive warship ever built by the United States, may be retired for up to a year. New York Post.
The 1,106-meter ship left the Red Sea and is currently docked in Crete for repairs after withdrawing from the conflict just two weeks after taking part in operations against Iran.
The ship has been plagued by problems for years, including persistent problems with its sanitation system dating back to at least 2020. Frequent blockages and repairs cost at least $4 million.
‘These eco-friendly toilets are not pressurized in the same way. They’re not flowing to the exit,’ said Navy expert Steve Wills.
The problems stem from the ship’s vacuum collection, containment and transfer system, a high-tech design adapted from the cruise ship industry that requires constant maintenance.
A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found the system required ‘onerous’ daily maintenance, with each so-called ‘acid wash’ costing nearly $400,000.
Virginia Senator Tim Kaine expressed concerns about ‘constant sewage system failures and non-functional laundry facilities’ following the ship’s extended deployment earlier this month.
America’s $13 billion USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has been withdrawn from operations in the Iran conflict after a series of malfunctions, including faulty toilets, sewage problems and a fire that damaged living quarters.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has not commented publicly on the reported problems aboard the USS Gerald R Ford.
The carrier operated in the Middle East in support of U.S. efforts against Iran before being withdrawn from service.
Kaine wrote to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, warning that the situation was taking a toll on the crew: ‘I am deeply concerned about the mental and physical toll this long deployment and uncertainty is taking on our Sailors.’
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has not commented publicly on the reported problems aboard the USS Gerald R Ford.
He added that seafarers and their families were being pushed to ‘breaking point’ due to an unpredictable schedule and a ship that failed to meet basic standards of living despite a $13 billion price tag.
The carrier operates as a ‘floating city’ with a crew of approximately 4,500 sailors.
The Navy installed a new lavatory and sewage system similar to those used on commercial aircraft, but scaled up for crews of more than 4,000, according to the report.
The ship also suffered a fire in the laundry area on March 12, filling many sections with smoke, damaging berthing areas and rendering some living spaces unusable.
The smoke is believed to have spread through the ship’s air circulation system, fouling bedding and linens and making some areas nearly uninhabitable.
United States Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives at Souda Bay in Souda, Greece, on March 23, 2026
Harbor tugs approach USS Gerald R Ford off Split, Croatia, on March 28, 2026, during a maintenance break after Middle East operations
The damage was so severe that helicopters were used to transport laundry to other ships after the onboard facilities were disabled.
Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed said the crisis was severe, with hundreds of sailors forced to sleep on the ground for days.
‘I was told there were 400 sailors who spent most of the day sleeping on the ground,’ Reed said. ‘He has been at sea for almost a year, which is putting incredible stress on the entire crew.’
The fact that the warship has been on duty for nearly nine months has raised concerns about the pressure on personnel.
The Navy’s 6th Fleet said the ship was ‘fully mission capable’ and would undergo evaluation, repair and resupply, although no timeline was given.
The investigation into the fire is currently ongoing.
Meanwhile, the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier strike group is heading towards the Mediterranean to support operations, although it uses a similar cleaning system.
Ford arrived in the Croatian Port of Split on Saturday, according to the Navy.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Navy for comment.
