The USS Gerald R. Ford, the first Ford-class aircraft of the US Navy is now at sea, as reported by Interesting Engineering. The deployment of the aircraft carrier is highly significant as the Navy hasn't commissioned a new generation of aircraft carriers in almost 40 years.
The Christening
The christening is the ceremonial ship launch that involves lowering the ship into the water. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilders, and the US Navy were all present during this time. Susan Ford-Bales, the daughter of Gerald R. Ford, was the one who christened the Ford on November 9, 2013.
Ford-Bales concluded the final minutes of the ship ashore by christening the aircraft carrier on behalf of the United States of America. It was done by breaking a champagne bottle across the bow, which is a custom that dates back a hundred years.
The Aircraft Carrier
The aircraft carrier has electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and features cutting-edge technology compared to the Nimitz-class carriers. EMALS system uses electric power to launch aircraft off the vessel, which will shorten the time between launches. It will also reduce the strain placed on the aircraft because they are launched from the carrier.
Additionally, a more sophisticated radar system is installed on the ship and it will be the only Ford-class carrier with a dual-band radar.
Just before the first deployment, the aircraft carrier underwent workups to ensure that it was ready for its journey. The USS Gerald Ford will conduct operations alongside allies and partners in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the deployment would be shorter than the usual six months.
The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford is a chance for the US to further down the field and demonstrate the advantage of it that can be used for the future of naval aviation to the region and to allies and partners. It will also involve 9,000 personnel from nine nations, 20 ships, and 60 aircraft. The countries involved are the US, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
The Ford Class Carriers
The Ford Class carriers are successors of the Nimitz class carriers and are named after former US Presidents. They are the next generation of aircraft carriers after the Nimitz class.
Ford class carriers have many benefits like increased electrical power generation, advanced weapons elevators, new dual band radar system, virtual docks, and a better nuclear power plant. Ford-class carriers also have a different design compared to that of the Nimitz class. It is expected to have an electromagnetic launcher and a host of other improvements.
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Written by April Fowell
