The USS Gerald R. Ford faces ongoing sewage failures, causing toilet breakdowns and crew hardship during its 2026 Middle East deployment.

Hundreds of toilet breakdowns have been reported in recent weeks on the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most costly aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, which continues to suffer from serious sewage system failures during its prolonged deployment in the Middle East. The ship's vacuum-based waste system frequently clogs due to narrow pipes and sludge buildup, requiring sailors to wait up to 45 minutes for bathroom use despite its $13 billion price tag and cutting-edge technology. To remove obstructions, the Navy has spent millions on acid flushes, and engineering crews have put in 19-hour shifts. Since 2025 and continuing into 2026, the crisis has negatively impacted crew morale and personal lives, causing sailors to miss important family occasions. The Navy insists the ship is still combat-ready, but the frequent malfunctions point to enduring problems with the design and upkeep.