USS Gerald R. Ford Faces Sewage Crisis: Sailors Wait 45 Minutes for Restrooms

Washington/Tehran: The U.S. Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)—the world’s most expensive warship—is facing an unexpected internal crisis as it heads toward the Middle East for operations near Iran. According to reports, crew members are spending up to 45 minutes waiting in line for restrooms, highlighting severe sanitation and operational challenges on board.

Sewage System Malfunctions Affect Sailors

The carrier, designed to demonstrate American military might, is struggling with its own plumbing system. Thin pipes have caused repeated toilet jams, resulting in continuous sewage failures. The issue has affected hundreds of sailors, delaying even basic hygiene routines. The problem first emerged in January during the ship’s deployment in the Caribbean and has persisted since.

As the carrier progresses toward the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, questions are now being raised about its operational readiness. The latest reports indicate that USS Gerald R. Ford has docked at Souda Bay, Crete for a multi-day port visit to conduct repairs, replenish supplies, and allow sailors some respite before resuming its mission.

Crew Frustration Mounts

The carrier’s approximately 5,000-strong crew, mostly young men and women aged 20–25, are reportedly frustrated and stressed. Extended deployments have added to the strain: sailors have been away from home for over eight months, with the current mission potentially stretching their time at sea to 11 months, breaking U.S. Navy deployment records.

Many crew members have missed major personal milestones, including the birth of children and family funerals. Some have expressed anger and considered leaving the Navy altogether. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery noted that carriers are usually deployed for six months during peacetime, making the extended Ford mission unusually taxing.

Command Acknowledges Challenges

Captain David Scorosey, commanding officer of USS Gerald R. Ford, acknowledged the difficulties in a letter to sailors’ families, recognizing the “pain” of extended deployments and the crew’s sacrifices.

Despite being engineered as a symbol of American strength, the USS Gerald R. Ford’s internal issues underscore the human cost of prolonged military missions and the gap between high-tech engineering and basic onboard life support.