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.