NORFOLK, Va.— On the fourth anniversary of her commissioning, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has passed the mid-point of her Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) evolution—another significant milestone during a year of significant accomplishments on the road to operational employment.
Since former President Donald Trump formally commissioned the ship on July 22, 2017, Ford’s crew has steadfastly worked toward harnessing the ship’s significant technological advancements to solidify her place as a proven warfighting platform. Ship’s Force has increased proficiency in aircraft launch and recovery, improved performance in combat systems interoperability, and most recently—with the second explosive event of FSST on July 16,...
Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Kyle Caliver, front, from San Diego, and Boatswains Mate Seaman Connor Fink, from Underwood, Iowa, both assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) deck department, prepare for Sea and Anchor detail by faking out a messenger line on the fantail, July 19, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Full Ship Shock Trials. The U.S. Navy conducts shock trials of new ship designs using live explosives to confirm that our warships can continue to meet demanding mission requirements under the harsh conditions they might encounter in battle. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Novalee Manzella)
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) celebrates the four year anniversary of her commissioning, July 22, 2021. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Melvin)
Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born July 14, 1913, in Omaha, NE. The future President grew up in a close-knit family, excelled scholastically and athletically at South High School in Grand Rapids, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in November 1927.
Ford attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he majored in economics and political science. An extremely gifted athlete, FORD was voted the Wolverine’s most valuable player in 1934, with opportunities to play professional football.
Ford chose the legal profession over a professional football career, graduating with a law degree from Yale in 1941. After the United States entered the war during World War II, Ford received a commission...
