The US aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford will temporarily port in Crete following a recent fire, while the US military has reportedly lost multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones in operations against Iran.
Aircraft Carrier Disabled by Fire
The American aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, supporting operations against Iran, will dock in Crete due to a fire that recently broke out onboard, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing two US officials.
The duration of the ship’s stay in Greece is currently unknown. The military previously stated the fire, which occurred in the laundry area, was unrelated to combat operations and did not damage the ship’s propulsion system.
Two sailors received medical attention for injuries sustained in the fire, but their conditions are stable. However, Reuters reported nearly 200 sailors required medical attention due to smoke inhalation, and one was evacuated by helicopter.
Drone Losses in Iran Conflict
The US military has lost approximately a dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones in the conflict with Iran, ABC News reported Tuesday, citing two sources. Each drone is valued at $16 million.
Reaper drones are used for intelligence gathering, observation, and precision strikes, and can be armed with laser-guided missiles and bombs.
Incidents and Attacks
Since February 28th, the US has lost several Reaper drones, some shot down by Iranian missiles and others destroyed in airstrikes. The Wall Street Journal reported one drone was accidentally downed by a Gulf nation.
American Reapers have reportedly attacked hundreds of targets linked to Iran, being the first aircraft to enter Iranian airspace on February 28th.
CENTCOM Strikes Iranian Facilities
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a successful strike on Iranian underground missile storage facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, using two-ton penetrating bombs.
CENTCOM stated the strikes targeted Iranian anti-ship missile positions posing a threat to international shipping. The US military has reportedly struck over 7,000 Iranian targets and destroyed over 100 Iranian vessels.
Strait of Hormuz and Global Impact
Former US President Donald Trump stated navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will soon resume, despite a lack of support from NATO and East Asian allies. Iran has been blocking the strategically important waterway since February 28th, causing fuel price increases globally.