USS Gerald R. Ford Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales gave remarks as a World War II era statue of her father, President Gerald R. Ford, was unveiled to crew members and shipbuilders of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. The unveiling was held on April 7, 2016 in the carrier’s hangar bay.

The Gerald R. Ford statue, designed by Grand Rapids, Michigan native Brett Grill,  will be placed within CVN 78 and is a likeness of Lt. Commander Ford during his World War II U.S. Naval service aboard the USS Monterey.

The event marked the last time Susan Ford Bales would speak to the crew and shipbuilders at a public event as CVN 78 would soon head to sea and become part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet. During her remarks, Susan Ford Bales touched on her special connection with her fellow shipbuilders. During the past 10 years of construction on the carrier, Susan worked along the shipbuilders and crew to help construct CVN 78. She was honored to become, and will always be honored to be an Honorary Shipbuilder and the Ship Sponsor of the ship bearing her father’s name. Susan also thanked the shipbuilders for working side-by-side with her in welding, turning wrenches, pulling cable, stringing telephone wires, working in the shipyard’s giant crane, calibrating dual band radar, launching EMALS test sleds, as well as testing both the weapons elevators and the ship’s hangar bay doors.

Susan ended her remarks with a special blessing to all who have played a role with bringing CVN 78 to life. She ended her remarks with “May God bless and watch over the USS Gerald R. Ford, those her built her, and the brave men and women who serve aboard her.”

During a change of command ceremony the following day, Susan emotionally thanked Captain John Meier for his service to his country and his tireless efforts in building the first crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford. Captain Meier’s relief and the Commanding Officer who will first take CVN 78 to sea is Captain Richard McCormack.

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