Tuesday, April 4, 2017

The U.S. Navy's First Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Set To Start Sea Trials This Week

Tug boats maneuver Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), into the James River during the ship’s Turn Ship evolution on June 11, 2016. US Navy photo.

USNI News: Carrier Gerald R. Ford Set to Start Sea Trials this Week

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The overdue first Ford-class aircraft carrier is set to go underway on its first set of sea trials this week, said the commander of Naval Sea Systems Command on Monday.

Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is set to leave the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Newport News, Va. for its first set of builder’s trials following an extensive set of pier-side testing to prove the carrier’s systems.

NAVSEA’s Vice Adm. Tom Moore said told an audience at the Navy League Sea Air Space 2017 he expected the ship to head to sea sometime this week.

The carrier was scheduled to leave on Tuesday, but weather will keep the ship pier-side, USNI News understands.

Prior to leading NAVSEA, Moore was the program manager for the Ford-class program.

Read more ....

Update #1: Gerald R. Ford carrier expected to begin sea trials this week -- Daily Press
Update #2: Carrier Ford Sails This Week; Future Destroyer Proposals In 2020 -- Breaking Defense

WNU Editor: Here are the production timelines for future aircraft carriers .... After Gerald R. Ford Commissions, Production Timeline Set for Future CVNs (Seapower).

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