The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the soon-to-be-commissioned Gerald R. Ford, got underway this weekend for the first time for a series of builder’s trials.
It’s a chance for sailors and representatives from Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding to test the systems of the first-in-class carrier before the ship becomes a member of the fleet.
“The Navy and our industry partners are excited to have the future USS Gerald R. Ford underway under her own power for the first time, executing a rigorous and comprehensive test program for this first-of-class ship,” said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers. “This milestone is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and we look forward to learning a great deal during sea trials. We will continue to work together to deliver Ford’s critical capabilities to the fleet.”
To much fanfare, President Trump visited the carrier last month and renewed his call for a major Navy buildup.
“After years of endless budget cuts that have impaired our defenses, I am calling for one of the largest defense spending increases in history,” Trump said. “And by eliminating the sequester and the uncertainty it creates, we will make it easier for the Navy to plan for the future and thus, to control costs and get the deals for the taxpayer, which of course, is very important.”
In a speech to sailors and shipbuilders aboard the Ford, Trump proclaimed, “I just spoke with Navy and industry leaders and have discussed my plans to undertake a major expansion of our entire Navy fleet, including having the 12-carrier Navy we need.”
