As the United States maintains a powerful naval presence near the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, its most advanced aircraft carrier faces an unexpected and persistent challenge: repeated failures of its onboard sewage system.The USS Gerald R Ford, commissioned in 2017 as the lead ship of a new class of supercarriers, has been plagued by chronic plumbing breakdowns even as it continues its extended deployment, according to multiple media reports. While the US Navy maintains that technical problems have not compromised operational readiness, internal records and crew accounts point to growing tension below deck.
Repeated breakdowns at sea
Built at a cost of $13 billion, the carrier introduced several next-generation systems, including a vacuum sewage network adapted from cruise ships to reduce water use. However, according to Gulf News, the system’s “narrow pipes” have had difficulty handling waste from a crew of more than 4,600 sailors, leading to frequent blockages and vacuum failures.NPR reported that emails it obtained documented 205 sewage-related breakdowns over a four-day period, with engineering teams working 19-hour shifts to manage leaks and overflows. During its 2025 deployment, which included operations off Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in January, the ship averaged one “wastewater-related maintenance call per day,” according to Navy Times.Previously, Forbes reported in 2022 that serious clogs required a specialized acid flush that cost $400,000 each time.
Extended mission, growing fatigue
The Wall Street Journal reported that crew members confirmed recurring failures and described growing frustration as the deployment was extended for a second time. The current mission is approaching one of the longest continuous deployments in U.S. Navy history, according to the report.Since 2023, external technical support has been requested 42 times, including 32 incidents in 2025 alone. The problems have continued until 2026.
Questions about preparation amid high stakes
The USS Ford, powered by next-generation nuclear reactors and equipped with advanced aircraft and weapons systems, remains a central asset in America’s maritime strategy. However, critics cited in US media reports have raised concerns about how persistent system failures aboard a multi-billion-dollar platform could affect morale during extended deployments.The developments come as US President Donald Trump warned of possible tough measures against Iran. The Navy has said that despite the plumbing setbacks, the aircraft carrier’s mission capability is not affected.Iranian and American negotiators will meet in Geneva for another round of talks on Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump, speaking last week at the Peace Board meeting, had said the United States could take further steps and that “bad things” could happen if a “meaningful agreement” is not reached. Warning: “you’ll find out in the next 10 days.”
