The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has heralded a new chapter in U.S. naval capabilities, serving as an effective deterrent in times of heightened global tensions.

As the pioneer of the Ford-class carriers, CVN-78 showcases an unprecedented array of technological advancements, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and a reduced requirement for crew members, promising both improved operational efficiency and combat effectiveness.

Despite initial setbacks, such as technical challenges with its toilets and ordnance elevators, the USS Gerald R. Ford, costing $13.3 billion, stands as a testament to U.S. naval engineering.

It offers increased lethality, survivability, and joint interoperability, as well as significant maintenance savings over its lifecycle, making it the most technologically advanced warship in the world, according to the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Rick Burgess.

The vessel demonstrates how automation and cutting-edge technology can lead to cost savings in operations and maintenance, freeing up resources for other readiness and acquisition needs.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) stands unparalleled in cost, being the most expensive warship ever commissioned. Leading a new generation of nuclear-powered supercarriers, its sheer size and capabilities mark a monumental leap in naval engineering.

With its immense displacement, CVN-78 is poised to maintain a dominant presence, projecting power across global waters for years to come.

With a staggering price tag of approximately $13.3 billion, nearly 30 percent above initial projections, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) encountered numerous delays and ongoing challenges in ironing out the kinks in its key systems.

Laden with groundbreaking technologies, the vessel faced issues ranging from malfunctioning toilets prone to clogging to ordnance elevators failing to operate as intended.

Many of its innovative systems experienced significant teething problems that demanded resolution.

Despite these challenges, it might be tempting to label the carrier as a costly liability adrift at sea, and some might even argue that CVN-78 is inherently flawed.

However, as the inaugural vessel of a novel class of nuclear-powered supercarriers, such setbacks are often regarded as inherent to the learning process accompanying the introduction of a new era of naval vessels.

The Gerald R. Ford-class emerged from the Navy’s CVN 21 program, slated to encompass ten carriers, each replacing existing ones in a one-for-one transition.

While bearing resemblances to the Nimitz-class in hull design, these new carriers integrate cutting-edge technologies such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), alongside other enhancements aimed at bolstering efficiency and curtailing operational expenses.

In sum, twenty-three new or upgraded systems distinguish these carriers from their predecessors.

Relevant articles:
– The Navy’s Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Nightmare Has Just Begun, The National Interest
– The U.S. Navy’s Aircraft Carrier Nightmare Has Just Begun, The National Interest
– Aircraft Carrier Enterprise Delivery Delayed by 18 Months, Says Navy, USNI News
– Op-Ed: U.S. Navy’s Newest Carrier Continues Tradition of Power Projection, The Maritime Executive