USS Gerald R. Ford

{{Infobox ship begin

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{{Infobox ship image

| Ship image = USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) underway in the Atlantic Ocean on 9 October 2022 (221009-N-TL968-1248).JPG

| Ship caption = USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) after departing Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia – May 2, 2023

}}

{{Infobox ship career

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| Ship country = United States

| Ship flag = {{USN flag}}

| Ship name = Gerald R. Ford

| Ship namesake = Gerald R. Ford

| Ship awarded = 10 September 2008

| Ship builder = Newport News Shipbuilding

| Ship original cost = $12.8 billion + $4.7 billion R&D (estimated){{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RS20643.pdf|publisher=Congressional Research Service|title=Navy Ford (CVN-78) Class Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress|author=O'Rourke, Ronald |date=22 October 2013|page=4|access-date=8 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602163338/http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/weapons/RS20643.pdf|archive-date=2 June 2013|url-status=live}} FY14 cost of CVN-79 (procured in FY13) in then-year dollars; the same budget puts the cost of CVN-78 (procured in FY08) at $12,829.3 million but that includes ~$3.3bn of development costs. CVN-80 is estimated at $13,874.2m, making the total cost of the first three Fords $38,041.9m, or $12.68bn each.

| Ship laid down = 13 November 2009{{cite news|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=49657|title=Ford Keel Laid for Future Carrier, Class|newspaper=Navy Times|date=16 November 2009|access-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801102351/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=49657|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=dead}}

| Ship launched = 11 October 2013{{cite press release|url=http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/newport-news-shipbuilding-to-flood-dry-dock-and-float-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78|title=Newport News Shipbuilding to Flood Dry Dock and Float Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)|publisher=Huntingdon Ingalls Industries|date=9 October 2013|access-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725000548/http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/newport-news-shipbuilding-to-flood-dry-dock-and-float-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78|archive-date=25 July 2015|url-status=live}}

| Ship sponsor = Susan Ford{{cite news|last1=Murray|first1=Dave|title=Gerald R. Ford ship ceremony brings Susan Ford Bales, Family to Newport News, Virginia|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/gerald_r_ford_ship_ceremony_br.html|work=The Grand Rapids Press|date=13 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115195539/http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/gerald_r_ford_ship_ceremony_br.html|archive-date=15 November 2009}}

| Ship christened = 9 November 2013{{cite web |title=PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Christening Ceremony|url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/11/08/pcu-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-christening-ceremony/|work=Navy Live |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915053228/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/11/08/pcu-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-christening-ceremony/ |archive-date=15 September 2016 }}

| Ship acquired = 31 May 2017{{cite press release|url=http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-cvn78-delivered|title=Huntington Ingalls Industries Delivers Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) To U.S. Navy|publisher=Huntingdon Ingalls Industries|date=1 June 2017|access-date=1 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606095614/http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-cvn78-delivered|archive-date=6 June 2017}}

| Ship commissioned = 22 July 2017{{cite press release|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=101579|title=President Trump Commissions USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)|publisher=United States Navy|id=NNS170722-01|date=22 July 2017|access-date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723012953/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=101579|archive-date=23 July 2017}}

| Ship decommissioned =

| Ship struck =

| Ship homeport = Norfolk

| Ship motto = Integrity at the helm

| Ship nickname =

| Ship honors =

| Ship fate =

| Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}

| Ship notes =

| Ship badge = 150px

}}

{{Infobox ship characteristics

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| Header caption =

| Ship class = {{sclass|Gerald R. Ford|aircraft carrier}}

| Ship displacement = {{G.R.Ford class CVN displacement}}

| Ship length = {{convert|1106|ft|m|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Command History & Facts|url=https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/Organization/Aircraft-Carriers/USS-Gerald-R-Ford-CVN-78/Command-History/|website=Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic|publisher=US Navy |access-date=8 March 2021}}

| Ship beam = {{ublist|{{convert|134|ft|m|abbr=on}} (waterline)|{{convert|256|ft|m|abbr=on}} (flight deck)}}

| Ship height = {{convert|250|ft|m|abbr=on}}

| Ship draft = {{convert|39|ft|abbr=on}}{{cite web |title=USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) |url=http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn78.htm |work=U.S. Carriers |access-date=1 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328011747/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn78.htm |archive-date=28 March 2014 |url-status=live }}

| Ship decks = 25

| Ship deck clearance =

| Ship power = {{Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier power}}

| Ship propulsion = Four shafts

| Ship speed = In excess of {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}}

| Ship range = ≈25 years before mid-life refuel{{cite web|url=https://www.engineering.com/story/engineering-destruction-the-terrifying-and-awesome-power-of-the-uss-gerald-r-ford|title=Engineering Destruction: The Terrifying and Awesome Power of The USS Gerald R. Ford|website=engineering.com|date=7 August 2017|access-date=24 May 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://themaritimepost.com/2021/06/video-nuclear-versus-diesel-aircraft-carriers-how-do-they-compare/|title=Video: Nuclear Vs Diesel Aircraft Carriers – How do they Compare?|website=themaritimepost.com|date=8 June 2021|access-date=24 May 2023}}

| Ship boats =

| Ship complement = 4539 (including air wing){{cite web|title=Gerald R. Ford Class Aircraft Carrier|url=https://www.military.com/equipment/gerald-r-ford-class-aircraft-carrier|website=Military.com|access-date=28 July 2019|language=en}}

| Ship sensors = * AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR) X band active electronically scanned array

AN/SPY-4 Volume Search Radar (VSR) S band active electronically scanned array

| Ship EW =

| Ship armament = *Surface-to-air missiles:

| Ship armor =

| Ship aircraft = 75+{{cite web|title=Aircraft Carriers – CVN|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_print.asp?cid=4200&tid=200&ct=4&page=2|website=U.S. Navy – Fact file|access-date=25 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426062924/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_print.asp?cid=4200&tid=200&ct=4&page=2|archive-date=26 April 2017|url-status=dead}}

| Ship aircraft facilities = {{convert|1092|×|256|ft|m|abbr=on}} flight deck

}}

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the lead ship of her class. The ship is named after the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, whose World War II naval service included combat duty aboard the light aircraft carrier {{USS|Monterey|CVL-26|2}} in the Pacific Theater.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10399 |title=Navy Names New Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford|date=16 January 2007|website=U.S. Department of Defense|publisher=Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214161111/http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10399 |archive-date=14 February 2007}}

Construction began on 11 August 2005, when Northrop Grumman held a ceremonial steel cut for a 15-ton plate that forms part of a side shell unit of the carrier.{{cite web |title=USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 |url=http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn78history.htm |work=U.S. Carriers |date=8 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306085430/http://www.uscarriers.net/cvn78history.htm |archive-date=6 March 2016 |url-status=live }} The keel of Gerald R. Ford was laid down on 13 November 2009. She was christened on 9 November 2013. Gerald R. Ford entered the fleet replacing the decommissioned {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65}}, which ended her 51 years of active service in December 2012.{{cite web|last1= O'Rourke|first1=Ronald|title=Navy CVN-21 Aircraft Carrier Program: Background and Issues for Congress|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/navycvn21.htm|website=Naval Historical Center|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201055019/http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/navycvn21.htm|archive-date=1 December 2006|date=25 May 2005|publisher=Department of the Navy}}{{cite web|title=USS Enterprise: Past Present And Future|url=http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=14424|work=The Official US Navy Blog|publisher=US Navy|access-date=1 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204110157/http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=14424|archive-date=4 December 2012}} Originally scheduled for delivery in 2015, Gerald R. Ford was delivered to the Navy on 31 May 2017 and formally commissioned by President Donald Trump on 22 July 2017.{{cite news|last1=Jenkins|first1=Aric|title=The USS Gerald Ford Is the Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier in the World|url=http://fortune.com/2017/07/22/uss-gerald-ford-commissioning/|access-date=23 July 2017|work=Fortune|date=22 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723003253/http://fortune.com/2017/07/22/uss-gerald-ford-commissioning/|archive-date=23 July 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |first=Sam |last=LaGrone |title=Delay in Aircraft Carrier Ford Testing Could Compress Workups for First Deployment |url=https://news.usni.org/2017/01/18/delay-in-aircraft-carrier-ford-testing-could-compress-workups-for-first-deployment |newspaper=USNI News |date=18 January 2017 |access-date=8 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218122842/https://news.usni.org/2017/01/18/delay-in-aircraft-carrier-ford-testing-could-compress-workups-for-first-deployment |archive-date=18 February 2017 }} She departed Naval Station Norfolk on her first world-wide deployment 02 May 2023.{{cite web |author=Laroisa |first=Aaron-Matthew |date=2023-05-02 |title=Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Departs Norfolk for Worldwide Deployment |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/05/02/aircraft-carrier-uss-gerald-r-ford-departs-norfolk-for-worldwide-deployment |url-status=live |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=USNI |publisher=}} {{As of|2025|February}}, she is the world's largest aircraft carrier, and the largest warship ever constructed.{{cite web |first=David |last=Szondy |title=World's largest supercarrier USS Gerald R Ford commissioned |url=https://newatlas.com/uss-gerald-ford-commissioning/50577/ |work=New Atlas |date=22 July 2017 |access-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830074246/https://newatlas.com/uss-gerald-ford-commissioning/50577/ |archive-date=30 August 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.navylookout.com/up-close-with-the-worlds-largest-warship/|title=Up close with the world's largest warship|website=navylookout.com|date=19 November 2022|access-date=31 March 2023}}

Naming

File:GeraldFord1945.jpg uniform, circa 1945.]]

In 2006, while Gerald Ford was still alive, Senator John Warner of Virginia proposed to amend a 2007 defense-spending bill to declare that CVN-78 "shall be named the USS Gerald Ford."United States Library of Congress. {{cite web|url= http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2006_record&page=S5815&position=all |title=Congressional Record, S5815 }}, Senate Amendment 4211. Retrieved 5 December 2006. The final version, signed by President George W. Bush on 17 October 2006,{{cite web|last1= Garamone|first1=Jim|title=President Signs 2007 Defense Authorization Act|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?id=1650|website=Defenselink|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130153930/http://www.defenselink.mil//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1650|archive-date=30 November 2006|date=17 October 2006|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense}} declared only that it "is the sense of Congress that ... CVN-78 should be named the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford."{{cite web|publisher=United States Library of Congress |url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&docid=f:h5122enr.txt.pdf |title=House Resolution 5122, Section 1012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207074104/http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&docid=f%3Ah5122enr.txt.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2010 |page=292|date=2 January 2007}} Since such "sense of" language is typically non-binding and does not carry the force of law, the Navy was not required to name the ship after Ford.{{cite web |title=C-SPAN's Capitol Questions: Sense of Congress|url=http://www.c-span.org/questions/week140.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061225112530/http://www.c-span.org/questions/week140.asp |publisher=C-SPAN|archive-date=25 December 2006 |date=28 March 2001}}

On 3 January 2007, former United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced that the aircraft carrier would be named after Ford during a eulogy for President Ford at Grace Episcopal Church in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.{{cite web|url=http://www.ford.utexas.edu/grf/Funeral/rumsfeld.asp|title=Donald Rumsfeld's Eulogy for President Ford|publisher=Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum|date=3 January 2007|access-date=4 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316020828/http://www.ford.utexas.edu/grf/Funeral/rumsfeld.asp|archive-date=16 March 2008|url-status=live}} Rumsfeld indicated that he had personally told Ford of the honor during a visit to his home in Rancho Mirage a few weeks before Ford's death. This makes the aircraft carrier one of the few U.S. ships named after a living person. Later in the day, the Navy confirmed that the aircraft carrier would indeed be named after the former president.{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/03/america/NA_GEN_US_Gerald_Ford_Carrier.php |title=Next Navy aircraft carrier to be named for late President Gerald Ford, buried Wednesday|agency=Associated Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119193307/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/01/03/america/NA_GEN_US_Gerald_Ford_Carrier.php |archive-date=19 January 2008 |date= 3 January 2007}} On 16 January 2007, Navy Secretary Donald Winter officially named CVN-78 USS Gerald R. Ford. Ford's daughter Susan Ford Bales was named the ship's sponsor. The announcements were made at a Pentagon ceremony attended by Vice President Dick Cheney, Senators Warner (R-VA) and Levin (D-MI), Major General Guy C. Swan III, Bales, Ford's other three children, and others.{{cite web|url=http://www.gvsu.edu/ford/index.cfm?id=64CE86AD-B639-5F3E-1D2A21C288593229|title=Remarks by Susan Ford Bales at the Naming Ceremony for the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)|publisher=Gerald R. Ford Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080326013756/http://www.gvsu.edu/ford/index.cfm?id=64CE86AD-B639-5F3E-1D2A21C288593229|archive-date=26 March 2008|date=16 January 2007}}

The USS America Carrier Veterans Association (CVA) had pushed to name the ship USS America. The CVA is an association of sailors who served aboard {{USS|America|CV-66}}. The carrier was decommissioned in 1996 and scuttled in 2005 in the Atlantic, as part of a damage test of large deck aircraft carriers.{{cite web

| url= http://www.cvn78.com/index.htm

| title= Name CVN78 USS America: A new flagship for America!

| date= 21 January 2007

| publisher= USS America Carrier Veterans Association

| access-date= 5 December 2008

| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090302083328/http://www.cvn78.com/index.htm

| archive-date= 2 March 2009

| url-status=live}} The name "America" was instead assigned to {{USS|America|LHA-6}}, an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 2014.{{cite web |title= Navy Names New Amphibious Assault Ship |publisher=United States Navy |date=30 June 2008 |url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38154 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110522130130/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38154 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 22 May 2011 |access-date=5 September 2019}}{{cite web |title= Navy USS America Joins the Fleet |publisher=United States Navy |date=12 October 2014 | last= Scorza |first=John | url=https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lha6/Pages/USSAmericaJoinstheFleet.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019211124/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lha6/Pages/USSAmericaJoinstheFleet.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=19 October 2014 |access-date=5 September 2019}}

History

=Construction=

On 10 September 2008, the U.S. Navy signed a $5.1 billion contract with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, to design and construct the carrier. Northrop had begun advanced construction of the carrier under a $2.7 billion contract in 2005. The carrier was constructed at the Huntington Ingalls (formerly Northrop Grumman) Newport News Shipbuilding facilities in Newport News.{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Kathy |title=Newport News shipyard gets $5.1B contract for carrier Ford |url=http://pilotonline.com/business/newport-news-shipyard-gets-b-contract-for-carrier-ford/article_e6896f50-7dfa-5daa-a4c8-563a2e5b1d6e.html |newspaper=Norfolk Virginian-Pilot |date=11 September 2008 |access-date=24 February 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225125950/http://pilotonline.com/business/newport-news-shipyard-gets-b-contract-for-carrier-ford/article_e6896f50-7dfa-5daa-a4c8-563a2e5b1d6e.html |archive-date=25 February 2017 }}

The keel of the new warship was ceremonially laid on 14 November 2009 in Dry Dock 12 by Ford's daughter, Susan Ford Bales. In a speech to the assembled shipworkers and DoD officials, Bales said: "Dad met the staggering challenges of restoring trust in the presidency and healing the nation's wounds after Watergate in the only way he knew how—with complete honesty and integrity. And that is the legacy we remember this morning."Frost, Peter, "Shipyard Lays Keel of Carrier in Solemn Tribute To Gerald R. Ford", Newport News Daily Press, 15 November 2009.

The ship's crest was developed jointly by the ship sponsor and first commanding officer, Captain John F. Meier.{{Cite web |url=https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/RFS-Final-Commissioning-Special-Edition.pdf |title=Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Newsletter / Special Commissioning Edition |date=2017 |access-date=21 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721194638/https://geraldrfordfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/RFS-Final-Commissioning-Special-Edition.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2019 |url-status=live }}

In August 2011, the carrier was reported to be "structurally halfway complete".{{cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/sdut-navys-next-aircraft-carrier-halfway-complete-2011aug18-story.html |title= Navy's next aircraft carrier halfway complete |newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune |date=18 August 2011 |author1=Steele, Jeanette |access-date=15 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112173700/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/sdut-navys-next-aircraft-carrier-halfway-complete-2011aug18-story.html |archive-date=2017-01-12| url-status=live}} In April 2012, construction was said to be 75% complete.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-carrier-ford-75percent-20120416,0,6450194.story |title=Gerald Ford carrier construction reaches milestone|last1=Lessig|first1=Hugh|publisher=HR Military |newspaper=Daily Press |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418181113/http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-carrier-ford-75percent-20120416%2C0%2C6450194.story |archive-date=18 April 2012 }} On 24 May 2012, the important milestone of completing the vessel up to the waterline was reached when the critical lower bow was lifted into place.{{cite web|title=Bow piece for USS Gerald R. Ford lifted into place|url=http://www.wvec.com/news/local/Bow-piece-for-USS-Gerald-R-Ford-lifted-into-place-153636285.html|last1=Gooding|first1=Mike|publisher=WVEC Television|access-date=27 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020090808/http://www.wvec.com/news/local/Bow-piece-for-USS-Gerald-R-Ford-lifted-into-place-153636285.html|archive-date=20 October 2013}} This was the 390th of the nearly 500 lifts of the integral modular components from which the vessel is assembled. Huntington Ingalls reported in an 8 November press release that construction had "reached 87% structural completion".{{cite web|publisher=Huntington Ingalls Industries|url=http://www.4-traders.com/HUNTINGTON-INGALLS-INDUST-7642101/news/Huntington-Ingalls-Industries-Inc--Huntington-Ingalls-Industries-Reports-Third-Quarter-Results-Rea-15480567/|title=Huntington Ingalls Industries Reports Third Quarter Results; Reaches Significant Milestones on Path to 2015 Financial Targets|work=4 Traders|date=11 August 2012|access-date=10 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213212424/http://www.4-traders.com/HUNTINGTON-INGALLS-INDUST-7642101/news/Huntington-Ingalls-Industries-Inc--Huntington-Ingalls-Industries-Reports-Third-Quarter-Results-Rea-15480567/|archive-date=13 December 2014}} By 19 December 2012, construction had reached 90% structural completion. "Of the nearly 500 total structural lifts needed to complete the ship, 446 have been accomplished."{{Cite web | url = http://ir.huntingtoningalls.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=243052&p=irol-newsArticle&id=1768655 | archive-url = http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20160806073422/http://ir.huntingtoningalls.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=243052&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1768655 | archive-date = 6 August 2016 | title = Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) Hits the 90 Percent Mark for Structural Completion | format = News Release | publisher = Huntington Ingalls | date = 19 December 2012 | access-date = 25 June 2013 }}

The island was landed and accompanying ceremony took place on 26 January 2013.{{cite web |url= http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/products/carriers/ford/cvn78 |title= Gerald R Ford CVN 78 |newspaper= Newport News Shipbuilding |publisher= Huntington Ingalls |access-date= 15 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120825134828/http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/products/carriers/ford/cvn78 |archive-date= 25 August 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1000|title=Newport News Shipbuilding Completes Flight Deck on Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426053110/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1000 |archive-date=26 April 2013|date=16 April 2013 |website=Navy Recognition}}

On 7 May 2013, the last of 162 superlifts was put in place, bringing the ship to structural completion.{{cite web |url=http://www.wvec.com/my-city/nnews/Another-milestone-today-for-carrier-USS-Gerald-R-Ford-206389781.html |title=Next milestone today for carrier USS Gerald R. Ford | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020090802/http://www.wvec.com/my-city/nnews/Another-milestone-today-for-carrier-USS-Gerald-R-Ford-206389781.html |archive-date=20 October 2013 |website=ABC13 WVEC |date=7 May 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.globenewswire.com/newsarchive/hii/pages/news_releases.html?d=10031990 |title= Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Aircraft Carrier's Primary Hull Structure Reaches 100 Percent Completion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707110710/http://www.globenewswire.com/newsarchive/hii/pages/news_releases.html?d=10031990 |archive-date=7 July 2013|website= Huntington Ingalls |date= 8 May 2013}}

On 11 July 2013, a time capsule was welded into a small room just above the floor, continuing a long Navy tradition. The time capsule holds items chosen by President Ford's daughter, Susan Ford Bales, and includes sandstone from the White House, Navy coins, and aviator wings from the ship's first commanding officer.{{cite web |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130711/NEWS04/307110022/Time-capsule-welded-into-future-USS-Gerald-R-Ford |title= Time capsule welded into future USS Gerald R. Ford |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019165913/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130711/NEWS04/307110022/Time-capsule-welded-into-future-USS-Gerald-R-Ford |archive-date=19 October 2013 |website=Military Times|date=11 July 2013|last1=Vergakis|first1= Brock|publisher=Associated Press|location=Newport News, VA}}

The ship was originally scheduled for launch in July 2013 and delivery in 2015. Production delays meant that the launch was delayed until 11 October 2013 and the naming ceremony until 9 November 2013,{{cite web | url=http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2013/10/8761/ | title=New Ship News – Sub launched, Carrier prepped, LCS delivered | first=Christopher | last=Cavas | publisher=Defense News | date=3 October 2013 | access-date=13 June 2014 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140615092513/http://intercepts.defensenews.com/2013/10/8761/ | archive-date=15 June 2014 }} with delivery in February 2016.{{cite news|url=http://legacy.13newsnow.com/story/news/local/mycity/newport-news/2014/09/10/14825130/|title=3rd elevator installed on USS Gerald R. Ford at Newport News Shipyard|date=16 August 2013|publisher=13News Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401165255/http://legacy.13newsnow.com/story/news/local/mycity/newport-news/2014/09/10/14825130/|archive-date=1 April 2016}}

On 3 October 2013, Gerald R. Ford had four 30-ton, {{convert|21|ft|m|abbr=on}}-diameter bronze propellers installed. The installation of the propellers required more than 10 months of work to install the underwater shafting.{{cite news|url=https://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131003-909281.html|title= Newport News Shipbuilding Installs 30-Ton Propellers on Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019204035/http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20131003-909281.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date= 3 October 2013}}

On 11 October 2013, the ship's drydock was flooded for the first time to test various seawater-based systems.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-ford-drydock-flooded-20131011,0,7552846.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016235526/http://articles.dailypress.com/2013-10-11/news/dp-nws-ford-drydock-flooded-20131011_1_aircraft-carrier-new-carrier-susan-ford-bales |archive-date=16 October 2013 |title=Floating the Ford: New carrier meets the water|newspaper=Daily Press|date=11 October 2013|first1=Hugh|last1=Lessig}} Her launch date was set to be on the same day as her naming ceremony on 9 November 2013.{{cite web | url=http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/10/navys_newest_aircraft_carrier.html | title=Navy floods dry dock around USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier ahead of 9 Nov. christening | first=Garret | last=Ellison | publisher=Michigan Live | date=13 October 2013 | access-date=15 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017014818/http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/10/navys_newest_aircraft_carrier.html | archive-date=17 October 2013 | url-status=live }}

On 9 November 2013, the ship was christened by Susan Ford Bales, with a bottle of American sparkling wine.{{cite web |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-christened-at-newport-news-shipbuilding-49604/ |title=Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Christened at Newport News Shipbuilding |date=12 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203001607/http://www.defencetalk.com/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-christened-at-newport-news-shipbuilding-49604/ |archive-date=3 December 2013 }}{{cite AV media |date=2013-11-09 |title=Time Lapse: Keel Laying to Christening of America's Next Carrier |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ozS36fM1EU&t=45s |access-date=2017-04-20 |publisher=Huntington Ingalls Industries |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723034649/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ozS36fM1EU&t=45s |archive-date=23 July 2017 |url-status=live }}

As of 2013, construction costs were estimated at $12.8 billion, 22% over the 2008 budget, plus $4.7 billion in research and development costs. Because of budget difficulties, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert warned there might be a two-year delay beyond 2016 in completing Gerald R. Ford.{{cite web |title=Statement of Admiral Jonathan Greenert, CNO |url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Greenert_11-07-131.pdf |work=U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee |date=7 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228120627/http://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Greenert_11-07-131.pdf |archive-date=28 December 2016 }} The GAO reported that the price cap would be met by the Navy accepting an incomplete ship for that cost.{{cite news |url=http://www.stripes.com/gao-navy-carrier-will-be-incomplete-cost-more-at-delivery-1.315358 |title=GAO: Navy carrier will be incomplete, cost more at delivery |last=Slavin |first=Erik |date=21 November 2014 |website=Stars and Stripes |access-date=21 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040705/http://www.stripes.com/gao-navy-carrier-will-be-incomplete-cost-more-at-delivery-1.315358 |archive-date=29 November 2014 }}

On 23 September 2015, the Navy announced that several weeks of testing delays would likely slip the delivery date into April or May 2016. In addition, construction was 93% complete as of September 2015.{{cite news |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsdelivery-of-us-navys-uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-further-delayed-4677028 |title=Delivery of US Navy's USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier further delayed |publisher=Kable |date=23 September 2015 |website=Naval-technology.com |access-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926044905/http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsdelivery-of-us-navys-uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-further-delayed-4677028 |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}

In July 2016, a memoradum was obtained by CNN from Michael Gilmore, the US Department of Defense's director of Operational Testing and Evaluation indicating that problems with four major flight systems would further delay combat readiness of the ship. She was not expected to be delivered until November 2016, and these issues were suggested to further delay that goal. Construction of the ship was described as 98% complete, with 88% of testing finished.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/25/politics/uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-delay/index.html|title=U.S. Navy's new $13B aircraft carrier can't fight|date=25 July 2016|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725164820/http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/25/politics/uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-delay/index.html|archive-date=25 July 2016|url-status=live|access-date=25 July 2016}}

By March 2018, due to issues with the nuclear propulsion system and munitions elevators, construction costs had reached $13.027 billion, making the Gerald R. Ford the most expensive warship ever built. Planned delivery to the Navy was delayed again, by three months, to October 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a26975852/the-navys-newest-aircraft-carrier-is-delayed-yet-again/|title=The Navy's Newest Aircraft Carrier Is Delayed, Yet Again|last=Mizokami|first=Kyle|date=2019-03-28|work=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520220158/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a26975852/the-navys-newest-aircraft-carrier-is-delayed-yet-again/|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/05/us-navys-13-billion-supercarrier-just-got-even-more-expensive/|title=US Navy's $13 Billion Supercarrier Just Got Even More Expensive |first=Franz-Stefan |last=Gady |website=The Diplomat|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523223853/https://thediplomat.com/2018/05/us-navys-13-billion-supercarrier-just-got-even-more-expensive/|archive-date=23 May 2019|url-status=live}}

A video documentary of the construction was released by Newport News Shipbuilding in 2017.{{cite AV media

| date = 2017-12-18

| title = Building Integrity, Building Ford: A Documentary

| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHn1G9HLR2A

| publisher = Huntington Ingalls Industries

| access-date = 23 December 2017

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190726083605/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHn1G9HLR2A&gl=US&hl=en&has_verified=1&bpctr=9999999999

| archive-date = 26 July 2019

| url-status=live}}

File:USS Gerald R. Ford island installation (130126-N-YX169-360).jpg|The 555-metric-ton island is in place after being lifted into position on the ship's flight deck during a ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding in January 2013.

File:USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in dry dock front view 2013.JPG|Gerald R. Ford is sitting in dry dock during construction.

File:131109-N-KK576-270.jpg|Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, christens the Gerald R. Ford.

File:170408-N-KU586-0038.jpg|Gerald R. Ford is underway for builder's sea trials on 8 April 2017.

File:USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) underway in the Atlantic Ocean on 4 June 2020 (200604-N-BD352-0199).JPG|Aerial view of Gerald R. Ford (front) alongside {{USS|Harry S. Truman}} (back)

=Performance improvements=

Gerald R. Ford is intended to be the first of a class of aircraft carriers that offer significant performance improvements over the previous {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|4}}. Gerald R. Ford is equipped with an AN/SPY-3 and AN/SPY-4 active electronically scanned array multi-function, multi-band radar,{{cite web|last1=Cavas|first1=Christopher P.|title=Dual Band Radar Swapped Out in New Carriers|url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2015/03/17/dual-band-radar-swapped-out-in-new-carriers/|website=Defense News|access-date=28 April 2018|date=8 August 2017}} with the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk2 Baseline 10 of the Mod 6 variant command and control system.{{cite web|url=https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2022/navy/2022ssds.pdf|title=Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk 2 Integrated Combat Systems |website=dote.osd.mil|date=2022|access-date=25 November 2023}} Its island, shorter in length and {{convert|20|ft}} taller than that of the Nimitz class, is set {{convert|140|ft}} farther aft and {{convert|3|ft}} closer to the edge of the ship. Replacing traditional steam catapults, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) will launch all non-VTOL carrier aircraft. This innovation eliminates the traditional requirement to generate and store steam, freeing up considerable area below-deck. With the EMALS, Gerald R. Ford can accomplish 25% more aircraft launches per day than the Nimitz class and requires 25% fewer crew members. The Navy estimates it will save $4 billion in operating costs over a 50-year lifespan.{{cite web|title=New Ford-class aircraft carrier: 25 percent more flights per day|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1109/USS-Gerald-R.-Ford-New-aircraft-carrier-with-25-percent-more-flights-per-day|work=The Christian Science Monitor|date=9 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109201309/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1109/USS-Gerald-R.-Ford-New-aircraft-carrier-with-25-percent-more-flights-per-day|archive-date=9 November 2013}} According to an Associated Press story:

{{blockquote|"She is truly a technological marvel," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert said in a webcast ceremony at the Newport News, Va., shipyard where Gerald R. Ford is being built, "She will carry unmanned aircraft, joint strike fighters, and she will deploy lasers."{{cite web | last = Vergakis | first = Brock | title = Navy christens next generation of aircraft carrier | publisher = Yahoo | url = https://news.yahoo.com/navy-christens-next-generation-aircraft-carrier-173824577.html | date = 9 October 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305145912/http://news.yahoo.com/navy-christens-next-generation-aircraft-carrier-173824577.html | archive-date = 5 March 2016 }}}}

These performance enhancements were problematic in Pentagon tests, and final software fixes for some of the problems were delayed until after the ship's post-shakedown availability in 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/in-testing-phase-new-carrier-plagued-by-problems-1.261377 |title=In testing phase, new carrier plagued by problems |date=10 January 2014 |website=Stars and Stripes |access-date=10 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111131605/http://www.stripes.com/news/in-testing-phase-new-carrier-plagued-by-problems-1.261377 |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}{{cite web|title=EMALS/ AAG: Electro-Magnetic Launch & Recovery for Carriers|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/emals-electro-magnetic-launch-for-carriers-05220/|website=Defense Industry Daily|access-date=10 August 2017|date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725072900/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/emals-electro-magnetic-launch-for-carriers-05220/|archive-date=25 July 2017|url-status=live}}

=Operational and major system testing=

File:USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) shock ttrial 1.jpg

In January 2014, the annual Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report recorded that critical ship systems in laboratory and test environments (including the EMALS, Advanced Arresting Gear, Dual-band Radar, and weapons elevators) were not reliable enough and needed more testing and improvements. The Navy implemented a rigorous testing program to ensure performance issues would be resolved before the systems were installed on the aircraft carrier.{{citation_needed|date=August 2019}} Major problems with the main turbine generators were found in June 2016.{{cite web | website=Defense News | last=Cavas | first=Christopher | url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/carrier-ford-has-serious-power-problem |title=Carrier Ford Has Serious Power Problem | date=18 September 2016 | access-date=23 February 2017}} The fix, requiring design changes, was installed and was verified during acceptance trials in May 2017.{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Fabey |title=The US Navy's most expensive ship ever built still has a tough path to getting deployment-ready |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-tough-road-towards-deployment-for-navys-most-expensive-ship-2017-6 |work=Business Insider |date=27 June 2017 |access-date=11 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170812062210/http://www.businessinsider.com/the-tough-road-towards-deployment-for-navys-most-expensive-ship-2017-6 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |url-status=live }} The Initial Operational Test & Evaluation milestone was achieved in April 2017.{{Citation | url = http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/01/31/navy-alerted-to-ford-class-carrier-reliability-issues/ | title = Navy Alerted to Ford-class Carrier Reliability Issues | newspaper = DoD Buzz | date = 31 January 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140204003614/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/01/31/navy-alerted-to-ford-class-carrier-reliability-issues/ | archive-date = 4 February 2014 }}. On 8 April 2017, Gerald R. Ford got underway under her own power for the first time as she headed to sea for builder's trials.{{cite AV media |title= Future USS Gerald R. Ford Underway on Sea Trials |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91zJbI53Xss |access-date= 2017-04-19 |publisher= Huntington Ingalls Industries |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170723034649/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91zJbI53Xss |archive-date= 23 July 2017 |url-status=live }} She completed the trials and returned to port at Naval Station Norfolk on 14 April 2017.{{cite web |first=Brock |last=Vergakis |title=Aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford completes builder's sea trials |url=http://pilotonline.com/news/military/local/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-completes-builder-s-sea-trials/article_b131c127-7da8-5a55-b3df-c4f87aee45a8.html |work=The Virginian-Pilot |date=14 April 2017 |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170602093611/http://pilotonline.com/news/military/local/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-completes-builder-s-sea-trials/article_b131c127-7da8-5a55-b3df-c4f87aee45a8.html |archive-date=2 June 2017 }} On 24 May 2017, she departed for acceptance trials and completed them on 26 May 2017.{{cite web|last1=Lessig|first1=Hugh|title=Aircraft Carrier Ford Heads Out for Sea Trials|url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/25/aircraft-carrier-ford-heads-sea-trials.html |website=Military.com|access-date=25 May 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170525211037/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/05/25/aircraft-carrier-ford-heads-sea-trials.html |archive-date=25 May 2017}}

In 2018, the Navy requested to delay shock trials for at least six years to speed up the ship's deployment, but this request was denied.{{cite web|title=US Navy Wants to Delay Shock Trials of $13 Billion Supercarrier|work=The Diplomat |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/us-navy-wants-to-delay-shock-trials-of-13-billion-supercarrier|date=9 February 2018|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719203353/https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/us-navy-wants-to-delay-shock-trials-of-13-billion-supercarrier/|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live}} On 18 June 2021, Gerald R. Ford completed her first full-ship shock trial {{convert|87|nmi|mi}} off Ponce Inlet, Florida, to ensure that she is able to withstand battle conditions.{{Cite web|title=USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Completes First Full Ship Shock Trial Event|url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/Press-Releases/display-pressreleases/Article/2663444/uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-completes-first-full-ship-shock-trial-event/ |access-date=2021-06-21|website=United States Navy|language=en-US}}{{cite web |last1=Marr |first1=Madeleine |title=Boom! What was that giant explosion off the Florida coast? Here's what we know |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article252257483.html |newspaper=Miami Herald|access-date=22 June 2021}} 40,000 lbs. (18 tonnes) of TNT was detonated underwater, measured as a 3.9 magnitude earthquake by USGS.{{cite web |agency=Agence France-Presse |title=US Navy tests warship's metal with megablast |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/06/21/21/us-navy-tests-warships-metal-with-megablast |website=ABS-CBN News |language=en |date=2021-06-21}} Additional tests were conducted in July and August, with the test detonations set off closer to the hull. The ship was determined to have passed the tests and this concluded the trials.{{cite web |last1=Malewar |first1=Amit |title=US Navy's new Gerald R. Ford successfully completed Full Ship Shock Trials |url=https://www.inceptivemind.com/us-navy-uss-gerald-r-ford-completed-full-ship-shock-trials/20537/ |website=Inceptive Mind |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210812062316/https://www.inceptivemind.com/us-navy-uss-gerald-r-ford-completed-full-ship-shock-trials/20537/ |archive-date=12 August 2021 |date=12 August 2021 |url-status=live}}

=Delivery=

On 31 May 2017, Newport News Shipbuilding delivered Gerald R. Ford to the U.S. Navy and her status was changed to Special, in service. Gerald R. Ford was formally commissioned into the United States Navy on 22 July 2017.

On 28 July 2017, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) performed the first arrested landing and catapult launch from Gerald R. Ford in an F/A-18F Super Hornet.{{cite news|last1=Woody|first1=Christopher|title=Watch the Navy's newest, most sophisticated aircraft carrier land and launch her first aircraft|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/navys-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-land-launch-its-first-aircraft-2017-7|access-date=10 August 2017|work=Business Insider|date=31 July 2017|format=Military and Defense|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010939/http://www.businessinsider.com/navys-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-land-launch-its-first-aircraft-2017-7|archive-date=11 August 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Local man pilots first plane to land on U.S.S. Gerald Ford |url=http://fox8.com/2017/07/29/local-man-pilots-first-plane-to-land-on-u-s-s-gerald-ford/ |work=Fox 8 Cleveland |date=29 July 2017 |access-date=2 August 2017 |last1=Domeck |first1=Ann |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802210821/http://fox8.com/2017/07/29/local-man-pilots-first-plane-to-land-on-u-s-s-gerald-ford/ |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last1=LaGrone|first1=Sam|title=VIDEO: USS Gerald R. Ford Conducts First Arrested Landing, Catapult Launch|url=https://news.usni.org/2017/07/28/video-uss-gerald-r-ford-conducts-first-arrested-landing-catapult-launch|website=USNI News|publisher=U.S. Naval Institute|date=28 July 2017|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223002423/https://news.usni.org/2017/07/28/video-uss-gerald-r-ford-conducts-first-arrested-landing-catapult-launch|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live}}

According to a GAO report in mid-2020 the Gerald R. Ford was still reporting significant problems with the operation of her weapons elevators,{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2020/06/04/USS-Ford-still-has-major-technical-problems-says-GAO-report/5201591306147/ |title=USS Ford still has major technical problems, says GAO report |first=Christen |last=McCurdy |date=4 June 2020 |work=United Press International |access-date=16 January 2021}} while a DoD report in early 2021 stated that the ship was still not combat-ready, citing continuing problems with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Designed to achieve 4,166 aircraft launches between operational mission failures, it instead accomplished only 181.{{cite web |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/navy-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-emals-problems/ |title=The Navy's $13 billion supercarrier still can't do the one thing it's absolutely required to do |first=Jared |last=Keller |date=11 January 2021 |website=Task & Purpose |access-date=16 January 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://jewishbusinessnews.com/2021/01/10/u-s-navy-most-expensive-aircraft-carrier-ever-uss-gerald-r-ford-still-having-problems/ |title=U.S. Navy Most Expensive Aircraft Carrier Ever USS Gerald R. Ford Still Having Problems |first=Alan |last=Gallindoss |date=10 January 2021 |website=Jewish Business News |access-date=16 January 2021}}

On 20 March 2021, Gerald R. Ford and {{ship|Italian aircraft carrier|Cavour}} conducted Ready for Operations (RFO) by the Italian Navy while transiting the Atlantic Ocean.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-22|title=USS Gerald R. Ford Completes another Independent Steaming Event - Shock Trials are Next|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/03/uss-gerald-r-ford-completes-another-independent-steaming-event-shock-trials-are-next/|access-date=2021-03-24|website=Naval News|language=en-US}} In September 2022, Rear Adm. James Downey described the ship as "fully delivered" and has "met her initial operating capability".{{cite web |title=PEO Carriers: USS Gerald R. Ford 'Fully Delivered' Ready to Deploy |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/09/26/peo-carriers-uss-gerald-r-ford-fully-delivered-ready-to-deploy |website=USNI News |date=26 September 2022}}

=Operational service=

==2022==

File:USS Gerald R. Ford returns after completing its inaugural deployment to the Atlantic Ocean, 26 November 2022 (221126-N-QI061-2036R).jpg

Gerald R. Ford left Naval Station Norfolk for Task Force Exercise (TFEX) on 4 October 2022. The carrier was to conduct operations and training exercises alongside NATO allies and partners throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Gerald R. Ford{{'}}s Carrier Strike Group 12 included Carrier Air Wing 8, {{USS|Normandy|CG-60|6}}, Destroyer Squadron 2 with {{USS|Ramage|DDG-61|6}}, {{USS|McFaul|DDG-74|6}} and {{USS|Thomas Hudner|DDG-116|6}}, auxiliaries {{USNS|Joshua Humphreys|T-AO-188|6}} and {{USNS|Robert E. Peary|T-AKE-5|6}}, and the United States Coast Guard cutter {{USCGC|Hamilton|WMSL-753|6}}.{{cite web |title=Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Departs for First Deployment |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3179931/gerald-r-ford-carrier-strike-group-departs-for-first-deployment/ |website=U.S. Navy |date=5 October 2022 |access-date=6 October 2022}} Among the first NATO ships assigned to CSG-12 was the {{ship|German frigate|Hessen}}.{{cite web |title=Photo Gallery|url=https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2003092456/ |website=U.S. Navy |date=5 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022}}

Gerald R. Ford{{'}}s first port visit outside of her home country was on 28 October 2022, to Halifax Harbour in Nova Scotia, home of CFB Halifax, Canada's largest military installation and home port of the Royal Canadian Navy's Atlantic fleet.{{Cite web |title=USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Halifax for First International Port Visit |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3203028/uss-gerald-r-ford-arrives-in-halifax-for-first-international-port-visit/|website=United States Navy

|date=28 October 2022|access-date=5 November 2022}}{{Cite web|title=First deployment for American aircraft carrier includes visit to Halifax this weekend|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9228061/american-aircraft-carrier-halifax-port/|date=26 October 2022|website=Global News|access-date=28 October 2022}}{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2022-10-28 |title=Massive American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Halifax harbour |website=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/10/28/massive-american-aircraft-carrier-uss-gerald-r-ford-arrives-in-halifax-harbour.html}} On 14 November 2022 the ship arrived in United Kingdom waters, for a four day visit anchored in Stokes Bay near Gosport.{{cite news |last1=Toogood |first1=Darren |title=Nuclear warship USS Gerald R Ford will visit the Solent next week |url=https://www.islandecho.co.uk/nuclear-warship-uss-gerald-r-ford-will-visit-the-solent-next-week/ |access-date=14 November 2022 |date=12 November 2022}} She returned to Norfolk on 26 November 2022.{{cite news |last1=Munoz |first1=Adonica |title=Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group returns to homeport concluding inaugural deployment |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/433992/gerald-r-ford-carrier-strike-group-returns-homeport-concluding-inaugural-deployment |access-date=7 April 2023 |publisher=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service |date=26 November 2022}}

==2023==

On 3 May 2023, Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk on her first full-length deployment and was scheduled to be operating in the 2nd and 6th Fleet's Area of Responsibility.{{cite web|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/05/02/uss-gerald-r-ford-leaves-norfolk-for-first-full-length-deployment/|title=USS Gerald R Ford leaves Norfolk for first full-length deployment|website=navytimes.com|date=2 May 2023|access-date=4 May 2023}} On 24 May 2023 the ship arrived just outside Oslo, Norway for NATO exercises,{{cite news |author=Gwladys Fouche |author2=Victoria Klesty |date=24 May 2023 |title=Massive US aircraft carrier sails into Oslo for NATO exercises |work=Yahoo! News |agency=Reuters |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/worlds-biggest-aircraft-carrier-sails-085106954.html}}{{Cite web |last=Iversen |first=Nicklas |date=2023-05-25 |title=World's Biggest Aircraft Carrier "USS Gerald R. Ford" Docks In Oslo, Norway |website=The Norway Guide |url=https://thenorwayguide.com/worlds-biggest-aircraft-carrier-uss-gerald-r-ford-docks-in-oslo-norway/ |access-date=2023-05-25 |language=en-US}} hosting a visit from Norway's Crown Prince Haakon.{{cite web |title=Crown Prince on board the USS Gerald R. Ford |url=https://www.royalcourt.no/nyhet.html?tid=219293&sek=27262 |website=Royal House of Norway |access-date=16 August 2023}} She was scheduled to head towards the Arctic later for further drills.{{Cite news |last=AFP |date=May 24, 2023 |title=World's biggest warship visits Oslo, angering Russia |work=France24 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230524-world-s-biggest-warship-visits-oslo-angering-russia |access-date=May 26, 2023}} On 26 June 2023 the ship sailed to the Mediterranean and arrived in Split, Croatia, for crew rest.{{cite news | date=26 June 2023 |title=Najveći ratni brod usidrio se pred Splitom, pogledajte kako izgleda američka grdosija |work=Slobodna Dalmacija | url=https://slobodnadalmacija.hr/split/najveci-ratni-brod-usidrio-se-pred-splitom-pogledajte-kako-izgleda-americka-grdosija-1301330}} In early October 2023, Gerald R. Ford conducted naval exercises with the Italian navy in the Ionian Sea.{{Cite web |author=Brian T. Glunt |date=5 October 2023 |title=GRFCSG Strengthens Interoperability with Italy |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3549717/grfcsg-strengthens-interoperability-with-italy/ |access-date=2023-10-08 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US}}

On 8 October 2023, the day after the Hamas attack on Israel, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, directed the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean "to bolster regional deterrence efforts." Along with the carrier, the group includes the cruiser {{USS|Normandy|CG-60|2}}, and the destroyers {{USS|Ramage|DDG-61|2}}, {{USS|Carney|DDG-64|2}}, {{USS|Roosevelt|DDG-80|2}}, and {{USS|Thomas Hudner|DDG-116|2}}.{{Cite web |title=Statement From Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on U.S. Force Posture Changes in the Middle East |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3551716/statement-from-secretary-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-us-force-posture-changes-in-the/|access-date=2023-10-08 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}} The U.S. later also sent {{ship|USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower||6}}-led CSG-2 to the Mediterranean to supplement CSG-12 in the same mission. While the carrier remained in the Mediterranean, several of the escort ships were sent into the Red Sea, where they repeatedly intercepted missiles and drones fired from Yemen.

==2024==

The U.S. 6th Fleet announced on January 1, 2024, that the Gerald R. Ford CSG would return to Norfolk after being relieved by an Amphibious Ready Group consisting of {{ship|USS|Bataan|LHD-5|6}}, {{ship|USS|Mesa Verde}}, and {{ship|USS|Carter Hall|LSD-50|6}}.{{cite news | last = Copp | first = Tara | title = The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier is returning home after extended deployment defending Israel | work = AP News | publisher = | location = Washington | date = 2024-01-01 | access-date = 2024-01-02 | archive-date = 1 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240101200631/https://apnews.com/article/uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-israel-20fb033f78bfd37fb4b0cf1df468a731 | url-status = live | url = https://apnews.com/article/uss-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-israel-20fb033f78bfd37fb4b0cf1df468a731 | quote = The Ford and its accompanying warships will be replaced by the amphibious assault ship the USS Bataan and its accompanying warships, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall. }}{{cite news | last = Pandy | first = Jordan | title = US Navy says the Ford carrier strike group is finally heading home after its first full deployment was upended by war | work = Business Insider | publisher = | via = MSN | location = | date = 2024-01-01 | access-date = 2024-01-02 | archive-date = 2 January 2024 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240102003725/https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-navy-says-the-ford-carrier-strike-group-is-finally-heading-home-after-its-first-full-deployment-was-upended-by-war/ar-AA1mkep5 | url-status = live | url = https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/us-navy-says-the-ford-carrier-strike-group-is-finally-heading-home-after-its-first-full-deployment-was-upended-by-war/ar-AA1mkep5 | quote = The sudden outbreak of violence in the Middle East, [...] led to repeated extensions of the Ford CSG's deployment. The strike group has been at sea for over 240 days, per USNI News. [...] will return to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia. }}

On 17 January 2024, Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk after an eight-month deployment. The carrier spent a total of 239 days away from Norfolk, conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 10,396 sorties, and sailed more than {{Convert|83476|nmi|km|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last1=Sicard |first1=Sarah |title=Aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford returns home after 8-month deployment |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/01/18/aircraft-carrier-gerald-r-ford-returns-home-after-8-month-deployment/ |access-date=25 January 2024 |publisher=Navy Times |date=19 January 2024}}

References

{{Naval Vessel Register|{{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=CVN78}}}}

External links

{{official website|https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/}}
[https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN78 DVIDS media website]
[http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/products/carriers/ford/index Builder's website]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2sOTBN4s-Y Nimitz Class vs. Ford Class, Captain John F. Meier] (video, 2m7s)

OSD Operational Testing and Evaluation Annual Reports re: CVN78

[https://web.archive.org/web/20140525041336/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/navy/2013cvn78.pdf FY2013 (January 2014)]
[http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2014/pdf/navy/2014cvn78.pdf FY2014 (January 2015)] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027232857/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2014/pdf/navy/2014cvn78.pdf |date=27 October 2017 }})
[http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2015/pdf/navy/2015cvn78.pdf FY2015 (January 2016)] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227035904/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2015/pdf/navy/2015cvn78.pdf |date=27 December 2016 }})
[http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2016/pdf/navy/2016cvn78.pdf FY2016 (December 2016)] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131811/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2016/pdf/navy/2016cvn78.pdf |date=24 February 2017 }})
[http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2017/pdf/navy/2017cvn78.pdf FY2017 (January 2018)]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WY3-vU-9WY USS Gerald Ford leaves her shipyard]

Category:Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers

Category:Nuclear-powered ships of the United States Navy

Category:Ships built in Newport News, Virginia

Category:2013 ships