USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)
Follow updates and learn more about the legacy of the U.S. Navy’s newest ship, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), named after the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.
Newport News Shipbuilding Honors President Ford on his 101st Birthday
Newport News Shipbuilding joined with the 5,000 men and women building the aircraft carrier honoring Gerald R. Ford in sending Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales a special message on the 101st anniversary of his birthday
USS Gerald R. Ford Christening Photos
Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales was joined by Ford Family members, Foundation Trustees, fellow shipbuilders, U.S. Navy personnel and more than 20,000 attendees in christening the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 on November 9, 2013 at Newport News Shipbuilding. The Ford is the US Navy’s first ship in the next generation of nuclear powered aircraft carriers, the Ford Class.
David Hume Kennerly USS Gerald R. Ford Christening Photos
Foundation Trustee David Hume Kennerly, former White House Official Photographer for President Gerald R. Ford, traveled to Newport News, VA to attend the USS Gerald R. Ford Christening Ceremony and provided the Foundation numerous images from the christening and reception
USS Gerald R. Ford Christening Video
The USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 Christening Ceremony was held at the Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard in Newport News, VA and attended by Ship Sponsor Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales, the Ford Family, Foundation Trustees, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding, the US Navy, CVN 78 service members and more than 20,000 attendees
Centennial Wreath Laying
Susan Ford Bales hosted the annual wreath laying at the tomb of Gerald R. Ford at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the Centennial Birthday of our nation’s 38th President with USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Captain John Meier providing remarks
USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 Model Unveiling
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation unveiled its commissioned model of the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 which will be displayed at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan as part of a future exhibit dedicated to the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier and new class of carriers
USS Gerald R. Ford Island Landing
Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales was joined by Rear Admiral Ted Branch, Captain John Meier and NNS President Matt Mulherin for the Island Landing Ceremony which included ceremonial mementos being placed underneath the Island on behalf of the Ford Family and CVN 78 crew members
U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford Keel Laying
Presented by WGVU News Makers, this documentary provided information regarding the newest class of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier, the Ford Class, the first to be commissioned will brandish the name of President Gerald R. Ford who served as a naval officer in the Pacific Theater during WWII