The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) is returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., after a Sept. 28 incident that injured four sailors and resulted in the loss of an EA-18G Growler, USNI News has learned. The return to port will “allow for a comprehensive assessment of the ship’s aircraft launch and recovery equipment following the Sept. 28 aviation mishap,” according to a statement from Naval Air Force Atlantic released early Saturday morning.
“The decision reflects the Navy’s deliberate approach to flight safety and readiness. While the cause of the mishap remains under investigation, Navy technical experts will conduct a thorough assessment,” the statement read.
The Navy has not released further details about the cause of the incident or the condition of the four injured sailors.
The Eisenhower’s return to Norfolk comes as other carrier operations continue elsewhere. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) arrived in Phuket, Thailand, on Oct. 4, 2026, for a scheduled port visit, according to a DVIDS release.
The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group includes Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 with nine embarked aviation squadrons, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 with the guided-missile destroyers USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75). The strike group departed Norfolk and Mayport, Florida, in March for operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operation. For the last six months, it supported Operation Epic Fury and the U.S. naval blockade in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
“The performance and resiliency of this strike group over the last six months has been exceptional,” said Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, commander, CSG-10. “Thailand is one of America’s oldest friends anywhere in the world, which is why it is such a privilege to visit Phuket and provide our Sailors and Marines an opportunity to experience this unique and amazing culture.”
Phuket is the first port visit for the strike group since its deployment. Scheduled engagements include sightseeing tours and community relations events, such as a U.S. vs. Thailand soccer match hosted by the George H.W. Bush Morale, Recreation, and Welfare Committee.
Sources: DVIDS News · USNI News