Setback for US forces as world's largest aircraft carrier withdraws from Iran war

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier that has been part of Middle East war operations, returned to a naval base in Crete on Monday, an AFP photographer said.

The vessel, which took on food, fuel and ammunition at Souda Bay in February, reported a laundry fire on March 12 that injured two crew members.

The United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign against Iran in late February following a major US military buildup in the Middle East that included the Ford and another aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln.

Both ships have played key roles in Iran operations, and the withdrawal of the Ford leaves a gap for US forces in the region.

"Taking the Ford off the board for any significant length of time means less US support to war efforts," said Daniel Schneiderman, director of global policy programs at Penn Washington.

"The Ford's role in the defence of Israel is significant," he said, while noting that if some of the accompanying ships remain near Israel, "the immediate term operational impact of its departure is somewhat mitigated."

The Ford has been at sea for nearly nine months. A fire broke out in a laundry room aboard the carrier on March 12, injuring two sailors and causing major damage to some 100 beds, according to the US military.

The carrier has also reportedly suffered significant problems with its toilet system while at sea, with US media reporting clogs and long lines for restrooms on the ship.

Senator Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has sharply criticised the extended deployment of the ship, saying it has been "pushed to the brink" after nearly a year at sea.