In recognition of their service during the Iran war, the Ford and the accompanying ships were awarded the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation.

USS Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk on June 24, 2025, and will have spent 326 days at sea, the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War.

After being diverted for combat with Venezuela and Iran, the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk, Va., on Saturday after nearly a year at sea.

The USS Gerald R. Ford completed a 326-day deployment, surpassing the previous record held by the USS Abraham Lincoln.