USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Hosts Reception at Halifax Port Visit

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nolan Pennington | A ceremonial color guard presents colors inside the hangar bay of the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during a reception as part of its first International port visit, Oct. 29, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)  

HALIFAX, NS, CANADA

10.29.2022

Courtesy Story

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)           

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, and the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Cohen, co-hosted a reception aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) while anchored off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 29, 2022.

The event, attended by U.S. Navy allies and partners highlighted the long-standing bilateral alliance between the U.S. and Canada and celebrated the first port visit during Gerald R. Ford’s inaugural deployment. Guest speakers included Dwyer, Cohen and Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy.

“It is my great honor to host this historic event along with my co-host, the United States Ambassador to Canada David Cohen,” said Dwyer. “This inaugural deployment is a gift. It has brought an amazing group of allies and partners together for a short period of time, for a single focus, and it has given us an amazing opportunity to train together and better understand how to work alongside each other, so that we can move forward with a strengthened purpose and resolve.”

Topshee emphasized that NATO is more unified than ever, even in the face of an ever-evolving security environment, and that the evening’s gathering of military and civilians from around the world aboard the Navy’s newest, most advanced aircraft carrier more than accentuated that fact.

“It is amazing the power of an aircraft carrier to bring people together even as it represents an incredible deterrent force,” said Topshee. “The Navy ships from so many NATO ally nations sailing into port with Ford and the ships that will work with Ford during her inaugural deployment are a testament to the power and commitment of the NATO alliance. They serve to ensure that we will uphold that rule-based international order and demonstrate that we are committed to defending freedom and democracy.”

The evening included an opportunity for more than 400 guests to enjoy food and beverages, as well as a ceremonial toast and cake cutting.
“Here is to the men and women, and the families that support them, of our combined forces at sea,” said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer.

Topshee said he could not let Ford’s commanding officer visit Canada without a symbol that he visited the nation as he presented Lanzilotta a ceremonial hockey stick.

“Keep your stick on the ice and be ready for anything,” said Topshee to resounding applause.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/, and follow along on Facebook @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram @cvn78_grford, Twitter @Warship_78, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78/ and DVIDS www.dvids.net/CVN78.

• Date Taken: 10.29.2022
• Date Posted: 10.30.2022 10:21
• Story ID: 432279
• Location: HALIFAX, NS, CA