PHOTOS: USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier arrives in Split

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives in Croatia (Photo: HRM)

The United States Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), part of the 6th Fleet, entered Split’s waters today, 21 October 2025, marking another significant visit that highlights ongoing cooperation between Croatia and the United States.

The port call takes place as part of bilateral military cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the United States.

This is the second visit of the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier to Croatia, the first being in June 2023, when the impressive vessel also docked in Split.

Named after the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Rudolph Ford, the nuclear-powered carrier is the largest and most technologically advanced warship in the U.S. Navy. Its home port is Norfolk, Virginia.

Stretching 333 metres in length with a beam of 41 metres and a flight deck width of 78 metres, the USS Gerald R. Ford has a draft of 15 metres and a displacement of around 100,000 tonnes.

The ship is capable of carrying up to 75 aircraft and operates with a crew of approximately 5,000 sailors during deployments.

The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) sailed into the Split waters (Photo: HRM)

The visit is expected to include bilateral engagements and cooperation activities between U.S. and Croatian naval personnel, further strengthening defence ties and mutual understanding between the two allies.

“The visit is part of its ongoing deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting readiness and maritime security of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and to reinforce U.S., Allied, and partner commitments to stability and security in Europe,” the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb said, adding.

“Routine port calls such as this one strengthen defense partnerships and reflect the close relationship between the United States and Croatia, a valued NATO Ally, the statement concluded.”