The US Navy’s Largest Aircraft Carrier Ever Is Nearly Ready For Duty
ByBrent M. EastwoodPublished7 hours ago
U.S. Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford Closer to First Deployment: The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier–the largest aircraft carrier to ever serve in the U.S. Navy–is closer to its first deployment. The ship conducted repairs after aftershock trials and completed final modernization work and sea trials earlier in March. The Ford has endured numerous delays and cost-overruns during its acquisition process. It was commissioned in 2017 and the navy has spent $13.3 billion on the flat-top – 30 percent more than what the service branch originally allotted for construction. Now the carrier is getting final checks and maintenance before it can complete its first cruise.
The Ford had to first pass “shock trials” that it embarked on to prove it could take a blast that simulates combat. Last summer the navy exploded three 40,000 pound charges off the coast of Florida around the carrier to determine if it could survive without harm. The test involved whether the crew could fix minor damages on board or whether the ship needed major repair while docked.
USS Gerald R. Ford Passes the Test
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/03/the-us-navys-largest-aircraft-carrier-ever-is-nearly-ready-for-duty/
