Future USS Gerald R. Ford completes successful builder’s sea trials, begins preparations for acceptance trials
170414-N-KL846-0025 NORFOLK (April 14, 2017) NORFOLK (April 14, 2017) The aircraft carrier Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk after returning from builder's sea trials and seven days underway. During this initial at-sea period, Gerald R. Ford's crew, representatives from Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding, the Navy's CVN 78 Program Office, the Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair and various technical subject matter experts demonstrated many of the ship's key systems. Primary risk reduction objectives were successfully met, and, as is typical with sea trials, the Navy and shipbuilder learned a great deal about the ship's performance during the extensive testing. Analysis continues, and any identified corrective actions will be addressed. CVN 78 remains on track to conduct Acceptance Trials and delivery to the Navy this spring. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Lindahl/Released)
WASHINGTON (NNS) — The future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) returned from Builder’s Sea Trials to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on April 14 after seven days at sea.
During this initial at-sea period, Ford’s crew, representatives from Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding, the Navy’s CVN 78 Program Office, the Navy’s Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair and various technical subject matter experts demonstrated many of the ship’s capabilities including tracking aircraft using the Dual Band Radar, conducting “no load” cycles using the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and small boat operations.
As is typical with sea trials, the Navy and shipbuilder learned a great deal about the ship’s performance during the extensive testing. Analysis continues, and any identified corrective actions will be addressed.
CVN 78 remains on track to conduct acceptance trials and delivery to the Navy this spring.
SOURCE: Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
