The carrier Gerald R. Ford is a step closer to the date it can deploy and commence full operations. The Navy Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Aug. 21 that the Ford has completed 21 months of post-delivery test and Full Shock trials at Newport News, Virginia, and is headed to nearby Norfolk Naval Station. Ford will commence Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) – the final maintenance phase before inaugural deployment sometime next year while there.
“This is a first-in-class warship that will lead the future of carrier naval aviation for years to come, and this PIA is the last milestone for us to complete prior to our first work ops and deployment,” said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, the ship’s commanding officer.
“This ship and the crew performed exceptionally well during shock trials, and much of the credit goes to the ship designers and builders who put in the technical rigor to ensure Ford-class carriers will sustain naval aviation for years to come.”