Norfolk, VA - July 2017: Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during its commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Ford is the lead ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers, and the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in 40 years. (Navy photo by MCS 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer)
By: FEDweek StaffThe USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is ready to deploy, five years after its commissioning. The U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) reported that the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier is now deemed fully seaworthy after having undergone six months of repair availability that followed explosive shock trials.
Ford, the world’s largest warship, has spent the last 250 to 300 days at sea, Rear Adm. James Downey told USNI. While at sea off the East Coast, Ford conducted operations with Carrier Air Wing 8 and completed a litany of system tests and certifications. The Combat Systems Operational Readiness Evaluation entailed some 11,000 aircraft takeoffs and arrested landings, the Navy told USNI.
“She’s met her initial operating capability,” Downey said. “She’s fully through the operational threshold.”
Ford’s ability to deploy was delayed, USNI reported, because of the need to ensure that several cutting-edge systems were in proper working order. Included here are the electromagnetic launching system, advanced arresting gear, and dual band air search radar. Ford had been originally scheduled for its first deployment in 2018.
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