SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
USS Gerald R Ford enters post-shakedown
The US Navy’s USS Gerald R Ford has begun (CVN 78) its post-shakedown availability/selected restricted availability (PSA/SRA) period in Newport News, Virginia, NAVSEA announced on 19 July.
The vessel’s PSA includes the installation of remaining combat systems, completion of deferred work and the correction of any remaining discrepancies identified during sea trials and shakedown. The PSA will focus on issues associated with the dual band radar; underway replenishment system; the propulsion train; vacuum, collection, holding and transfer system and the Plasma Arc Waste Destruction System.
USS Gerald R Ford is the lead ship of the new Gerald R Ford class of aircraft carrier.
Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers, said: ‘This is the first shakedown of a new class of US aircraft carrier in four decades. We have a unique opportunity in this PSA to lay a solid foundation for the following ships of the class and I know the CVN 78 team is actively incorporating lessons learned to ensure that Ford class attains full operational capability.’
Following the PSA/SRA the vessel will conduct further trials and testing, including full-ship shock trials prior to its first deployment. The ship will prepare for deployment in parallel with its initial operational testing and evaluation.
The vessel was delivered to the US Navy on 31 May, 2017.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
