US carrier Ford conducts second shock trial, after technical failure halted earlier attempt
By: Megan Eckstein
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully completed the second of three scheduled explosive events for Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST), July 16, 2021. The shock trials are designed to demonstrate the ship’s ability to withstand the effects of nearby underwater explosion and retain required capability.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford completed its second in-water shock trial on July 16, after an attempt earlier in the month failed due to technical issues.
Ford is undergoing a three-part test series to ensure the first-in-class carrier is properly battle-hardened. The service will set off three blasts in the water, each successively closer to the ship – and after each blast, the crew tests all major ship systems to ensure they weren’t harmed and inspects the hull for any signs of damage.
The first test was successfully completed on June 18 off the coast of Florida.
“Ford attempted shot 2 on July 1st, but experienced technical issues with test equipment onboard one of the support vessels that prevented execution at that time. The second shot was ultimately conducted 16 July,” Naval Sea Systems Command spokeswoman Kathryn Bienfang told Defense News.
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2021/07/19/us-carrier-ford-conducts-second-shock-trial-after-technical-failure-halted-earlier-attempt/
