NOV13-04: Navy's Newest Carrier Takes Shape
From Program Executive Office Aircraft Carriers

WASHINGTON - The future USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) keel will be laid during a ceremony Nov. 14 at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport New, Va.

Keel laying represents the formal recognition of the start of a ship's construction. The ship, Gerald R. Ford, represents the first new aircraft carrier design in 40 years, replacing the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Other firsts include the use of all-electric catapults and auxiliaries; and the first aircraft carrier and largest warship ever to be completely modeled using 3-D computing software.

3-D modeling software allows manufacturers to simulate all the industrial design processes, from the pre-project phase through detailed design, analysis, simulation, assembly and maintenance.

"The complex nature of the CVN 78 design has been made more efficient by the use of 3-D computer modeling," said Capt. Brian Antonio, CVN 21 program manager. "This worthy effort diminishes program risks by identifying potential problems in a virtual environment, and not during construction of the ship. We are all working to deliver CVN 78 on time and on budget. The 3-D product model is helping us do just that."

The future USS Gerald R. Ford will also incorporate significant capability improvements that are expected to reduce operating costs compared to aircraft carriers in the Fleet today. The carrier will also incorporate new technologies such as Electro Magnetic Aircraft Launching System, Advanced Arresting Gear, and Dual Band Radar.

The Gerald R. Ford class will be the premier national asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups provide the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance in support of our nation's maritime strategy.

Program Executive Office (PEO) Aircraft Carriers, an affiliated PEO of the Naval Sea Systems Command, focuses on the design, construction and delivery, and life-cycle support of all aircraft carriers and the integration of systems into aircraft carriers.