The United States Navy is on the cusp of ushering in a new era of naval supremacy with the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the first of its new class of aircraft carriers and the most technologically sophisticated warship to sail the open seas.

The USS Ford represents not just a step, but a giant leap forward in naval aviation and warfare capabilities.

After successful rounds of trials with shipbuilders at Newport News Shipbuilding, this behemoth of American sea power has moved one step closer to its intended dominance.

The Navy is gearing up to conduct the first series of at-sea acceptance trials, targeted to commence by Memorial Day, a key milestone that will validate the ship’s basic motor functions as reported by the US Naval Institute.

The Ford’s design is the first significant change in US aircraft carrier design in 40 years, boasting a host of revolutionary features.

Its nuclear power plant, capable of generating three times the electrical output of previous carriers, sets the stage for future weapons systems such as laser and railguns. The increased power supply is essential for the high demands of contemporary and future shipboard systems.

While the ship’s enhanced capabilities herald a new chapter in naval warfare, they have not been without controversy.

The Ford’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) has faced significant development challenges, attracting criticism from as high as the President.

President Donald Trump has notably expressed a preference for the traditional steam-powered launch systems, stating candidly to TIME, “You going to goddamned steam.”

Despite the president’s personal criticisms, the Navy remains confident in the Ford’s performance. Acting Secretary of the Navy, Sean Stackley, conveyed a positive outlook to the US Naval Institute, saying, “I’m pretty confident right now in a good [acceptance trials] and a quick turnaround to deliver the ship.”

The technological advancements aboard the Ford come at a steep price, nearly $13 billion, but the Navy projects savings of approximately $4 billion over the ship’s service life due to increased automation and more efficient systems. The Ford is not only expected to redefine naval aviation but also to reduce long-term operational costs.

As the Navy awaits the official commissioning of the Ford into the fleet this summer, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and pride. Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers, praised the collaborative effort in a statement, saying, “Over the last several years, thousands of people have had a hand in delivering Ford to the Navy — designing, building, and testing the Navy’s newest, most capable, most advanced warship.”

As the world’s oceans continue to be a stage for geopolitical tensions and strategic maneuvering, the USS Gerald R. Ford stands as a testament to American ingenuity and a harbinger of the next generation of naval warfare.

The lessons learned from historical endeavors, such as the USS Akron and its sister ship the USS Macon from the Navy’s lighter-than-air program, continue to influence today’s innovations.

While the era of flying aircraft carriers may have ended, the spirit of innovation and progress embodied by the USS Gerald R. Ford sails full steam ahead into the future.