One look at pre-commissioning unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and it's apparent the next generation of aircraft carriers has arrived. Featuring an array of advanced improvements, Ford prepares to enter the fleet July 22 during its commissioning ceremony.

Approaching the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, a buzz of anticipation radiates as the sight of the Navy's latest aircraft carrier, the Ford, comes into view. Moored next to Nimitz-class USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the line between the past and future is clear.

Walking onto the Ford ramp and entering the vast hangar bay, the immaculate condition is striking compared to the aging Eisenhower across the pier. Improvements to crew comfort are noticeable, and unlike Nimitz-class carriers, cool air is pumped into every space onboard the Ford.

"All of the automation has made it a lot easier to operate everything," said Electrical Technician (Nuclear) Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Sequaptewa. "We have a lot of new technology; the advanced arresting gear, the EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) system and it's designed to last 50 years. Over the course of another 50 years, who knows what technological advances will happen, but I know that our function now is the electrical power generation. I guarantee that we can meet whatever needs that we will have. This really is the future of naval aviation."

Advances have been made to the overall design of the Ford-class carriers, including a smaller island that will allow for more maneuverability on the flight deck as well as better visibility from various compartments around the ship.

"We have a new system to track aircraft, called ADMACS [Aviation Data Management and Control System]," said Lt. Cmdr. Jaime Roman, Ford's aircraft handling officer. "It's essentially a bucket of information. It collects all of the information and sends out to all the departments on the ship. Before on other ships, this [flight deck control] was the only place where you could see where the aircraft were onboard. Now you're able to see it on screens in other spaces which makes everything a little more efficient. Everything is up on those boards."

Throughout the ship, the advanced capabilities increase efficiency, personnel effectiveness and include room for future improvements while reducing overall costs of the ship during its 50-year lifespan. Gone are the steam catapult systems along with other legacy systems to include the shipboard systems necessary for surviving at sea.

"What makes this new carrier the best for me is the new firefighting system. The way we do things here are unique to the Navy," said Petty Officer 1st Class Marcus Steed, a damage controlman. "I loved the process because it was a challenge learning everything and seeing where the Navy was and where we're going. It was just awesome."

The Ford is designed from the keel up to meet the most demanding threats for the next 50 years. From the engine rooms to the hangar bay to the flight deck, the variety of new features have made Ford the quintessential supercarrier.

"The designers took a really hard look at the technology. We are always trying to stay a step ahead of the adversary and I think we've done that with this carrier," said Ford's Executive Officer Capt. Brent Gaut.

From roomier berthing spaces to air conditioning in all compartments to the sleek design, morale is booming throughout the deckplates as Sailors prepare for their first extended underway later this summer.

"We are steering toward something new, setting the standard and we, the CO, XO and myself, are leading this crew toward success," said Ford's Command Master Chief Laura Nunley. "It's not just about Gerald R. Ford, it's about the new class of ships we are leading the frontline in. We take a lot of pride and ownership in this. I would say we are the envy of the fleet right now."


The Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) is a cooperative partnership of naval aviation stakeholders focused on sustaining required current readiness and advancing future warfighting capabilities at best possible cost. It is comprised of Sailors, Marines, civilians, and contractors from across service branches and organizations, working together to identify and resolve readiness barriers and warfighting degraders.

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For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.


For more news from Naval Aviation Enterprise, visit www.navy.mil/.