Cuban state media this week launched an attack on the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), labeling it as a representation of the "facade of imperial power" of the United States. The criticism highlights reports of technical issues and long queues of sailors waiting to use the restrooms onboard.
In an article circulated by the state-run newspaper Girón, journalist Gabriel Torres Rodríguez portrayed the ship—valued at approximately $12 billion and deemed the most advanced flagship of the U.S. Navy—as a prime example of what he called Washington's "propaganda machine."
"The most expensive ship in history sails towards a potential conflict with Iran while hundreds of sailors stand in line for 45 minutes to use a restroom," the article sarcastically notes, drawing on reports from American media about vacuum system malfunctions affecting the carrier's bathrooms.
The piece states that the USS Gerald R. Ford has accumulated over 240 consecutive days on mission, with its deployment extended multiple times.
Technical Challenges and Operational Readiness
The article references information from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times concerning failures in the sanitary system—with more than 200 incidents reported in a short span—and the strain on a crew exceeding 4,500 sailors.
It also discusses delays and issues with other American aircraft carriers, such as the USS John C. Stennis and the USS George Washington, arguing that of the 11 carriers officially possessed by the U.S. Navy, only a few are fully operational in conflict zones.
U.S. Military Power Under Scrutiny
Further criticism targets statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding naval deployments in the region, suggesting that the carrier's dispatch is more a political gesture than proof of operational competence.
The article frames the technical difficulties within a broader narrative regarding what it terms the "decline" of U.S. military power and its reliance on propaganda.
Geopolitical Implications
The text claims that the Ford's deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf is part of a "choreography" designed to project strength against Iran, despite alleged logistical weaknesses.
From Havana, official media have linked this situation to Washington's foreign policy towards Cuba, economic sanctions, and other international disputes, portraying the case as evidence that the image of U.S. power does not always align with its operational reality.
As of now, the Pentagon has not responded to the criticisms aired by Cuban media, although it has previously acknowledged technical challenges aboard the vessel, noting that they are part of the adjustment and modernization process of a new-generation weapon system.
Commissioned in 2017, the USS Gerald R. Ford remains deployed as part of U.S. Navy operations in the region amidst growing tensions in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions about the USS Gerald R. Ford
What is the significance of the USS Gerald R. Ford?
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the largest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, symbolizing America's military power and innovation.
Why did Cuban media criticize the USS Gerald R. Ford?
Cuban media criticized the carrier for technical issues and long restroom queues, using these as examples to challenge the perception of U.S. military dominance.
Has the Pentagon responded to the criticisms from Cuban media?
As of now, the Pentagon has not responded to the specific criticisms, though it has acknowledged technical challenges as part of the carrier's modernization process.