A troubled US aircraft carrier is moving away from Iran. Does it reflect bigger problems?
Fire damage and plumbing issues on the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest an overstretched military and ‘hollowed out’ industrial base, analysts say
Recent mishaps involving the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest America’s military is overstretched and its industrial base has been weakened, according to Chinese analysts.
That followed reports in January of plumbing failures aboard the US$13 billion vessel that left the crew without functioning toilets.
The US Navy said the fire started in the warship’s laundry facility and the cause was still under investigation. One scenario reportedly being examined was whether the fire was deliberately set by sailors to end their prolonged deployment.
Analysts in Beijing said that regardless of the cause, the incident ultimately stemmed from Washington’s excessive use of its military power globally that had led to systemic fatigue and crisis.