U.S. Navy’s Newest Carrier Continues Tradition Of Power Projection (From The Maritime Executive)

The U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier – the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) – returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on January 17, 2024. Underway for 239 days, the ship launched more than 10,000 aircraft sorties, conducted 43 underway replenishments, and sailed more than 83,000 nautical miles. The Ford is the first ship in a new class of aircraft carriers – the largest and most advanced warship America has ever built. These carriers herald a new era of naval power projection, showcasing a groundbreaking array of 23 cutting-edge technologies. Most importantly, however, is how the Ford has provided credible proof to America’s allies, partners and adversaries of U.S. resolve. What started as the ship’s first full-length deployment evolved into the carrier’s first combat deployment following the October 7 terror attacks against Israel. I have written more on this subject here.