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
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
-
![Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration]()
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China]()
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
![UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet]()
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
