The US Navy accepted delivery of the USS Gerald R. Ford on May 31st. CVN 78 is the first in its class (Ford class) and first new carrier design since the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) came into the fleet in 1975.

Delivery followed the ship’s successful completion of acceptance trials May 26.

“Congratulations to everyone who has helped bring CVN 78 to this historic milestone,” said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers. “Over the last several years, thousands of people have had a hand in delivering Ford to the Navy — designing, building and testing the Navy’s newest, most capable, most advanced warship.

Without a doubt, we would not be here without the hard work and dedication of those from the program office, our engineering teams and those who performed and oversaw construction of this incredible warship. It is because of them that Ford performed so well during acceptance trials, as noted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.”

“Well done to our shipbuilding partners, Ford’s crew and everyone who supported them,” said Vice Adm. Tom Moore, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, who also embarked for acceptance trials. – US Navy

The last new aircraft carrier to enter the fleet was the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) which was delivered to the Navy in 2009.

Featured image by US Navy