The first of the Ford-class super-carriers is now commissioned and ready for service in the Fleet. The USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 is the first new aircraft carrier design in 40 years for the US Navy and the largest in the world. The occasion was marked by the arrival of President Trump to the proceedings.
Great Video Below…Worth Watching to Learn About the Ship
Trump landed on the flight deck in Marine One and was greeted by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick McCormack. Over 10,000 friends and family members attended the event, watching the festivities from the hangar bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
“Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our allies will rest easy and our enemies will shake with fear because everyone will know that America is coming and America is coming strong,” said Trump. “Our true strength is our people. Our greatest weapon is all of you. Our nation endures because we have citizens who love America and who are willing to fight for America.”
He continued, “We are so very blessed with warriors who are willing to serve America in the greatest fighting force in history, the United States military. Today this ship officially begins its role in the noble military history of our great nation.” – US Navy
One note for the traditionalists among us…no more steam cat on the USS Ford! What do you think about that? Comment below.
Featured image of Sailors manning the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during its commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer
