Life aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford is not unfolding the way many would expect on the world’s largest and most expensive aircraft carrier. Instead of symbolizing seamless American military power, the warship is grappling with basic sanitation failures that are testing the patience and morale of its crew.
As the carrier continues operations linked to West Asia, troubling reports have surfaced about clogged toilets, backed-up sewage, and growing frustration among sailors.
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Why Are Toilets Clogging on USS Gerald R. Ford?
At the heart of the issue are reportedly narrow pipes that are frequently getting blocked. According to The Wall Street Journal, repeated clogs have triggered sewage system breakdowns across the ship. For sailors on board, this has meant long lines and limited access to working restrooms.
Crew members are said to be waiting more than 45 minutes just to use the toilet. For a vessel designed to project dominance and precision, the inability to maintain basic sanitation has raised uncomfortable questions, as per a report.
The issue reportedly began in January when the aircraft carrier was deployed to the Caribbean. Since June last year, the ship has remained continuously at sea. During that period, the US also attacked Venezuela from this aircraft carrier.
According to the Navy Times, the USS Ford received an average of one "sewage-related maintenance call per day" during its 2025 deployment, which included operations off Venezuela that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro's capture in January, as per Gulf News.
According to NPR, they were able to obtain emails that showed 205 breakdowns over four days, with engineering teams addressing leaks and overflows in 19-hour shifts.
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On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) arrived at the Crete Naval Base in Souda Bay, Greece, for a multi-day port visit. The stop is expected to allow for repairs, restocking of supplies, and much-needed rest for the sailors, as per a report.
After the visit, the carrier is scheduled to return to West Asia to support Israel and later move toward the eastern Mediterranean near Israel.
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How Is the Crew Coping With the Conditions?
The sanitation crisis is only part of the strain. A sailor aboard the Ford told the Wall Street Journal that many crew members are angry and upset. Some have even talked about quitting the US Navy, as quoted in a report by India.com.
With nearly 5,000 personnel on board—many of them in their 20s—the emotional toll is becoming visible. Extended deployments have meant missing major life moments: children’s birthdays, the birth of a child, and even funerals of loved ones.
Due to the sensitive nature of their mission, communication is heavily restricted. Sailors are largely cut off from social media and the internet, deepening feelings of isolation. Reports suggest this separation from family and the outside world is further fuelling frustration.
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Why are sailors waiting so long to use toilets on USS Gerald R. Ford?
Frequent pipe clogs have caused repeated sewage system failures, leading to long lines and limited restroom access for the nearly 5,000 crew members.
Where is USS Gerald R. Ford currently headed?
After a port visit in Souda Bay, Greece, the aircraft carrier is expected to return to West Asia to support Israel and operate near the eastern Mediterranean.
As the carrier continues operations linked to West Asia, troubling reports have surfaced about clogged toilets, backed-up sewage, and growing frustration among sailors.
ALSO READ: How much snow did New York City get? Deadly travel conditions, power outages, and what to know about the winter storm
Why Are Toilets Clogging on USS Gerald R. Ford?
At the heart of the issue are reportedly narrow pipes that are frequently getting blocked. According to The Wall Street Journal, repeated clogs have triggered sewage system breakdowns across the ship. For sailors on board, this has meant long lines and limited access to working restrooms.
Crew members are said to be waiting more than 45 minutes just to use the toilet. For a vessel designed to project dominance and precision, the inability to maintain basic sanitation has raised uncomfortable questions, as per a report.
The issue reportedly began in January when the aircraft carrier was deployed to the Caribbean. Since June last year, the ship has remained continuously at sea. During that period, the US also attacked Venezuela from this aircraft carrier.
According to the Navy Times, the USS Ford received an average of one "sewage-related maintenance call per day" during its 2025 deployment, which included operations off Venezuela that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro's capture in January, as per Gulf News.
According to NPR, they were able to obtain emails that showed 205 breakdowns over four days, with engineering teams addressing leaks and overflows in 19-hour shifts.
ALSO READ: Police appear at neighbor’s house as Nancy Guthrie search takes a sudden new turn
What Is the Situation as the Ship Reaches Greece?
On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) arrived at the Crete Naval Base in Souda Bay, Greece, for a multi-day port visit. The stop is expected to allow for repairs, restocking of supplies, and much-needed rest for the sailors, as per a report.
After the visit, the carrier is scheduled to return to West Asia to support Israel and later move toward the eastern Mediterranean near Israel.
ALSO READ: Nancy Guthrie's case update: Sheriff Nanos believes the victim was held near home-here's what he meant
How Is the Crew Coping With the Conditions?
The sanitation crisis is only part of the strain. A sailor aboard the Ford told the Wall Street Journal that many crew members are angry and upset. Some have even talked about quitting the US Navy, as quoted in a report by India.com.
With nearly 5,000 personnel on board—many of them in their 20s—the emotional toll is becoming visible. Extended deployments have meant missing major life moments: children’s birthdays, the birth of a child, and even funerals of loved ones.
Due to the sensitive nature of their mission, communication is heavily restricted. Sailors are largely cut off from social media and the internet, deepening feelings of isolation. Reports suggest this separation from family and the outside world is further fuelling frustration.
ALSO READ:Employee almost quit for a startup, boss stepped in, decision turned into a blessing - many call manager 'class'
FAQs
Why are sailors waiting so long to use toilets on USS Gerald R. Ford?
Frequent pipe clogs have caused repeated sewage system failures, leading to long lines and limited restroom access for the nearly 5,000 crew members.
Where is USS Gerald R. Ford currently headed?
After a port visit in Souda Bay, Greece, the aircraft carrier is expected to return to West Asia to support Israel and operate near the eastern Mediterranean.
