Recent reports reveal mounting frustrations among the crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States’ newest aircraft carrier, currently deployed near the coast of Venezuela. The USS Ford has faced significant challenges with its plumbing system, particularly regarding its faulty toilet facilities.
USS Gerald R. Ford’s Deployment and Plumbing Issues
The USS Gerald R. Ford, commissioned at a cost of approximately $13 billion, has been operating in the Caribbean since June 2023. It is a central part of U.S. naval operations in the region, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. However, the aircraft carrier’s crew—comprising around 4,600 sailors—continues to encounter persistent issues with the Vacuum Collection, Holding and Transfer (VCHT) system, which is central to the ship’s sewage management.
Chronology of Problems
- June 2023: USS Ford departs from Norfolk, Virginia.
- 2023 and 2024: Reports reveal ongoing breakdowns of the VCHT system aboard the ship.
- March 18, 2025: An email indicates 205 system breakdowns occurred within just four days.
- July 24, 2025: A sailor’s mother contacts media to express concerns over unsanitary conditions onboard.
Documents obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request show that crew members have had to call for external assistance 42 times since the carrier’s first deployment. In 2025 alone, 32 calls were made, with 12 occurring shortly after the latest deployment commenced.
Design Flaws and Crew Challenges
Designed with a complex vacuum system adapted from cruise ship technology, the Ford’s system has proven inadequate for the demands placed on it. The difficulties in maintaining the VCHT system have led to situations where the toilets, referred to as “heads,” malfunction, affecting entire zones of the ship.
Common issues include clogged pipes caused by various materials inappropriate for the system, such as commercial toilet paper. A particular concern has been the buildup of calcium, leading to costly acid flushes—a procedure that can only be conducted when the ship is in port.
Implications and Future Considerations
Despite the ongoing problems, there are plans for the carrier to receive improvements to its VCHT system during its upcoming maintenance period. Navy officials have acknowledged the system’s inadequacies and have indicated that the Ford will eventually incorporate necessary upgrades similar to those applied to older carriers.
Experts are concerned about the challenges posed by these design flaws, particularly considering the carrier’s mission to operate for extended periods at sea. Comments from officials suggest that adding more personnel may be a viable solution for managing repairs, despite the ship’s design aiming to reduce crew sizes compared to older models.
Conclusion
The experience of the USS Gerald R. Ford serves as a cautionary example in naval operations, showcasing the importance of proven technology in ensuring combat readiness and crew welfare. As U.S. naval forces continue to navigate complex deployments, addressing these systemic issues will be crucial for the effectiveness and well-being of personnel aboard the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier.
