The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier that has been in service since 2017. As the lead ship of its class, it is the first new aircraft carrier design in over 40 years, replacing the Nimitz-class carriers that have been in service since the 1970s. The Gerald R. Ford-class carriers are designed to provide increased combat capability, improved survivability, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to their predecessors.
Design and Construction
The USS Gerald R. Ford was designed and constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Virginia. The ship’s construction began in 2009, and it was christened on November 9, 2013. The Gerald R. Ford is 1,106 feet (337 meters) long, with a beam of 257 feet (78 meters) and a draft of 34 feet (10 meters). It has a full-load displacement of over 100,000 long tons, making it one of the largest warships in the world.
Propulsion and Performance
The USS Gerald R. Ford is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, which provide a total of 570 megawatts of electricity. The ship’s propulsion system consists of four propeller shafts, each driven by a electric motor, which provide a total of 260,000 horsepower. The Gerald R. Ford has a top speed of over 30 knots (56 kilometers per hour), and a range of over 20,000 nautical miles (37,000 kilometers) without refueling.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 1,106 feet (337 meters) |
| Beam | 257 feet (78 meters) |
| Draft | 34 feet (10 meters) |
| Displacement | over 100,000 long tons |
| Power Plant | 2 x A4W nuclear reactors |
| Propulsion | 4 x electric motors |
| Speed | over 30 knots (56 kilometers per hour) |
| Range | over 20,000 nautical miles (37,000 kilometers) |
Key Points
- The USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship of its class, replacing the Nimitz-class carriers.
- The ship has a length of 1,106 feet (337 meters) and a beam of 257 feet (78 meters).
- The Gerald R. Ford is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors and four electric motors.
- The ship has a top speed of over 30 knots (56 kilometers per hour) and a range of over 20,000 nautical miles (37,000 kilometers).
- The USS Gerald R. Ford represents a significant improvement in aircraft carrier design, with increased combat capability, improved survivability, and reduced maintenance requirements.
Combat Systems and Capabilities
The USS Gerald R. Ford is equipped with a range of advanced combat systems, including the Aegis Combat System, the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS), and the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) system. The ship’s air defense capabilities are provided by the SM-2 and SM-6 missiles, which are launched from the ship’s Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS). The Gerald R. Ford also has a range of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, including the AN/SQQ-89(V)15 sonar system and the Mk 50 torpedo.
Aircraft and Aviation Capabilities
The USS Gerald R. Ford is designed to operate a range of aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the E-2D Hawkeye. The ship’s flight deck is equipped with a range of advanced systems, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system. The Gerald R. Ford has a total of four catapults and three arresting engines, which provide a high degree of flexibility and reliability.
| Aircraft | Role |
|---|---|
| F-35C Lightning II | Multi-role fighter |
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Multi-role fighter |
| E-2D Hawkeye | Airborne early warning and control |
| SH-60 Seahawk | Anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue |
| MH-60 Romeo | Anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue |
Crew and Manning
The USS Gerald R. Ford has a crew of over 4,500 personnel, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians. The ship’s crew is responsible for operating and maintaining the ship’s systems, as well as providing support for the ship’s aircraft and aviation operations. The Gerald R. Ford’s crew is organized into several departments, including the Command Department, the Navigation Department, and the Engineering Department.
Training and Readiness
The USS Gerald R. Ford’s crew undergoes regular training and readiness exercises to ensure that the ship is prepared for a range of military operations. The ship’s crew participates in exercises such as the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and the NATO exercise, which provide an opportunity for the crew to practice their skills and work with other navies. The Gerald R. Ford’s crew also undergoes regular maintenance and repair work to ensure that the ship remains in good condition.
| Department | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Command Department | Overall command and control of the ship |
| Navigation Department | Navigation and piloting of the ship |
| Engineering Department | Operation and maintenance of the ship's systems |
| Air Department | Aircraft operations and maintenance |
| Supply Department | Logistics and supply support for the ship |
What is the USS Gerald R. Ford’s top speed?
+The USS Gerald R. Ford has a top speed of over 30 knots (56 kilometers per hour).
What type of aircraft can the USS Gerald R. Ford operate?
+The USS Gerald R. Ford is designed to operate a range of aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the E-2D Hawkeye.
How many crew members does the USS Gerald R. Ford have?
+The USS Gerald R. Ford has a crew of over 4,500 personnel.
