President Donald J. Trump will be the presiding official during the commissioning of the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
The USS Gerald R. Ford will be commissioned on July 22. The commissioning marks the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s entrance into the fleet after about a year of testing and sea trials, according to the U.S. Navy.
The commissioning will mark the president’s second visit to the USS Gerald R. Ford in 2017. In March, he visited the ship to congratulate the sailors and shipbuilders and honor the vessel’s namesake, former President Gerald Ford.
During that visit, Trump also promised to expand the Navy’s fleet to include 12 aircraft carriers, according to the White House.
“This is American craftsmanship at its biggest, at its best, at its finest,” Trump said during his speech aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford. “This warship, and all who serve on it, should be a source of pride for our nation … This great aircraft carrier provides essential capabilities to keep us safe from terrorism and take the fight to the enemy for many years in the future.”
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This article was published in partnership with WYDaily’s sister publication, Southside Daily.
