Tensions between the United States and Iran are at their peak. US President Donald Trump has given Iran a 10-day ultimatum, raising fears that war could break out at any moment. To counter Iran, the United States has deployed the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, in Middle Eastern waters.
However, before engaging Iran, the warship has found itself in a bizarre situation. The soldiers stationed onboard are facing each other over toilets malfunction rather than confronting an external enemy.
An unusual technical problem on the world’s most expensive and powerful American warship has created serious difficulties for nearly 5,000 personnel. The sewage — or toilet — system on the nuclear-powered vessel is repeatedly failing. As a result, on the $13 billion USS Gerald R. Ford, sailors are battling malfunctioning toilets instead of adversaries at sea.
According to multiple media reports, life onboard has become extremely difficult. Nearly 5,000 sailors reportedly wait up to 45 minutes in line each day to use the restroom. The USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed at sea since June 2025. In January, it reportedly played a key role during US action involving Venezuela, after which President Nicolás Maduro was arrested without major casualties.
Now deployed in Middle Eastern waters amid rising tensions with Iran, the ship reportedly has around 650 toilets, most of which are not functioning properly. A Wall Street Journal report states that extended deployment has limited regular maintenance.
The vessel uses a cruise ship-style vacuum system to reduce water usage, but the narrow pipes handling waste from thousands of sailors have reportedly led to severe blockages. Engineers onboard are said to be working 19-hour shifts to fix and clean the system.
One report claims that special acid flushing is required to clear the blockages. The US Navy maintains that the issue does not affect the ship’s combat readiness. However, some reports suggest that frustration among young sailors has grown so intense that some are considering leaving the military after returning home.
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