The USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the United States, is facing significant problems with its sewage system.
According to National Public Radio (NPR), blockages and overflows are being recorded regularly, complicating daily life for the crew of more than 4,600 people.
Officials said the vacuum-based system, adapted from civilian shipbuilding, is struggling to handle the workload. While engineering teams work intensively, sailors report worsening living conditions.
The first reports of issues began as soon as the ship was deployed in 2023. However, according to NPR, problems with the Vacuum Collection, Holding and Transfer (VCHT) system increased in 2025.
NPR reported that an email dated March 18, 2025, from the engineering department was sent to all ship leaders to inform them that 205 malfunctions in the VCHT system had been recorded in just four days.
“Every day that the full crew is present on board, a trouble call has been made for ship’s force personnel to repair or unclog a portion of the VCHT system since June 2023,” states an undated document provided by the Navy through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Despite these issues, U.S. Navy representatives maintain that the technical failures do not compromise the aircraft carrier’s combat readiness, and the ship remains mission-capable.
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