Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
Ceremony Marks Navy's First Ford-class Carrier
From PEO Carriers Public Affairs Office
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - A keel-laying ceremony for the Navy's first Ford-class aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford, (CVN 78) was held at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va., Nov. 14.
The ceremony celebrated not only the building of a new class of ship, but the life of the ship's namesake, former President Gerald R. Ford.
Susan Ford Bales, his daughter, was the ship's sponsor. Bales' initials were welded into a metal plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as the ship's sponsor, and on behalf of President Gerald R. Ford," said Bales, "I hereby declare that the shipbuilders of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and their patriotism, and commitment to excellence are and shall forever be truly and fairly part of the spirit of the USS Gerald R. Ford."
Ford-class aircraft carriers have some significant design changes, including a larger flight deck, improvements in weapons and material handling, a new propulsion plant design that requires fewer personnel to operate and maintain, and a new smaller island that has been pushed aft.
Technological advances in the field of electromagnetism have led to the development of an electromagnetic aircraft launching system and an advanced arresting gear. An integrated warfare system has been developed to support flexibility in adapting the infrastructure of the ship to future mission roles.
"Gerald R. Ford demonstrates the progress that has been made in aircraft carrier design and construction," said Capt. Brian Antonio, program manager for PMS 378, Future Aircraft Carriers. "With this new class, the men and women who proudly serve their country will be able to perform their duties with more sophisticated technology to ensure mission success."
Sen. Carl Levin served as keynote speaker and distinguished guests in attendance included Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Adm. Kirkland H. Donald.
Gerald R. Ford served as President of the United States between 1974 and 1977. Prior to his assumption of the presidency he served as vice president from 1973 to 1974, and as a member of the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973. USS Gerald R. Ford is scheduled to enter the U.S. Naval Fleet in 2015.
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