The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier returns to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday after a roughly 11-month deployment, described by multiple outlets as the longest for a US carrier strike group since the Vietnam War. The carrier is accompanied by the destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan, and it docks with about 5,000 sailors returning home. Several reports say the deployment lasts about 326 days and totals about 57,713 nautical miles. The carrier strike group operates across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East, supporting US operations connected to Iran and also involving activities linked to Venezuela. Coverage also notes challenges during the cruise, including a major onboard fire and technical problems that require repairs while the ship is in Crete. In connection with the deployment, Military Times and Navy Times report the Ford Carrier Strike Group receives a Presidential Unit Citation. Breaking Defense adds that aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 8 return to their home naval air stations on Monday, following the ship’s arrival in Norfolk. The Pentagon and defense officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, are reported to be present to welcome the crew.