NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Apr. 7, 2016)-- A bronze statue honoring President Gerald R. Ford is unveiled aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during a ceremony in the ship's hanger bay. Ship's sponsor Susan Ford Bales, sculptor J. Brett Grill, and representatives of Huntington Ingulls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding attended the event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Fairchild/Released)

A bronze statue honoring President Gerald R. Ford is unveiled aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Fairchild/Released)

Watch remarks by Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales 
on the statue unveiling and ship’s construction 

While docked at Newport News Shipbuilding, Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales helped unveil a statue of her father aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

The statue is a likeness of Lieutenant Commander Gerald R. Ford during his World War II service aboard the USS Monterey.

Numerous times throughout the ceremony, Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales thanked her fellow shipbuilders for their hard work and dedication in constructing CVN 78. From December 2006 and throughout the 10 years since, Susan Ford Bales has worked side-by-side with CVN 78 crew members and shipbuilders in helping to add the USS Gerald R. Ford to the U.S. Navy’s fleet.

Later this year, CVN 78 will head to sea, but with a different Commanding Officer. The ship’s first Command Officer, Captain John Meier, was replaced during a Change of Command ceremony by Captain Richard McCormack. Susan Ford Bales emotional thanked Captain Meier for his committed and leadership as the first crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford was brought together.

To continue reading the article from the Daily Press, please visit: http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-ford-carrier-statue-20160407-story.html

 

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