VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Six squadrons from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk on Monday.
According to Naval Air Force Atlantic, the Blacklions of VFA-213, Ragin’ Bulls of VFA-37, Golden Warriors of VFA-87, and Tomcatters” of VFA-31 returned to Oceana, with Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 and Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 landing home at Naval Station Norfolk.
The squadrons deployed for 11 months, according to the U.S. Navy. and assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 within the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. They deployed to the U.S. 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Fleets. CVW-8 flew over 5,500 hours to support Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military operation against Iran.
Watch previous coverage: Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford to depart Middle East, set to head home, WaPo reports
The U.S. Navy says CVW-8 launched over 11,800 times during the 11-month deployment.
In a post made on social media, the U.S. Navy officially announced the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is heading home. A date for the aircraft carrier's return was not mentioned, but the post added that ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 will arrive "in the coming days."
The Ford — which carries around 4,500 sailors — departed from Naval Station Norfolk back in June 24, 2025 — initially setting out for the Caribbean. Early into its deployment, the Ford aided in U.S. operations against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Watch previous coverage: USS Gerald R. Ford sailors serve in Middle East amid US war with Iran
In February, President Donald Trump said he was sending the carrier strike group to the Middle East in a move to apply more pressure on Iran.
In March, CNN reported that a non-combat-related fire broke out in the Ford's laundry area. The New York Times would then report that it took more than 30 hours to respond to the fire, which resulted in over 600 crew members losing their beds. Two sailors were also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Watch related coverage: Politicians on both sides of the aisle decry conditions on USS Gerald R. Ford following fire
In late April, The Washington Post reported that the Ford was expected to return to Virginia around mid-may, citing multiple U.S. officials.
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