CNN Reveals Extent of Fire Damage on USS Gerald R. Ford That Navy Downplayed

American network CNN reported this week that a fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in March was far more severe than the U.S. Navy's official account indicated. According to CNN's investigation, leaked footage showed sailors' bunks completely burned, metal components bent and cables hanging loose. The Navy had stated the fire was brought under control and that only two sailors sustained minor injuries. A ship officer told CNN they believed the vessel could be lost while battling the blaze. Reuters separately reported that a sewage system malfunction affecting the carrier's 650 toilets compounded the problems during the incident. The Navy's public statement at the time did not reflect the scale of damage captured in the footage reviewed by CNN.