On 13 April, the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) of the aircraft carrier USS George W. Bush (CVN-77) left the Mediterranean. A USNavy CSG had been present in the Mediterranean for more than a year (first the USS Truman and then the USS Bush).
This absence ends today.
This afternoon, in fact, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) made its entry into the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltair.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW 8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON 2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61).
The USS Gerald R. Ford is a Ford-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. It is the flagship of its class, designed to replace the Nimitz-class carriers. The USS Gerald R. Ford was launched in 2013 and began sea trials in 2017 before entering active service in 2021.
The aircraft carrier is designed to be at the forefront of technology and capability. It is powered by a nuclear reactor, enabling it to operate for long periods without refueling. The ship features a wider landing deck and an advanced arresting system for the landing of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, it is equipped with electromagnetic catapults for aircraft takeoff.
The USS Gerald R. Ford can accommodate a wide array of combat aircraft, including fighters, reconnaissance planes, and early warning aircraft. It possesses an advanced combat system that includes state-of-the-art radars and sensors, as well as air defense and antimissile systems.
The ship is designed to enhance crew productivity and reduce operational costs. It incorporates innovative technologies, such as extensive use of automation and drones for onboard tasks. Furthermore, it is capable of conducting a wide range of operations, including power projection, special operations, support to ground forces, and humanitarian relief operations.
The USS Gerald R. Ford represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of U.S. aircraft carriers. With its innovative features and cutting-edge technology, it is an essential maritime power platform for defense and U.S. power projection in the 21st century.