NORFOLK – Almost five months after its construction was completed, President Donald Trump stood on the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford Saturday, presiding over the U.S. Navy’s first commissioning ceremony of an aircraft carrier class in more than 40 years.
During his first appearance on the Ford earlier this year, Trump promised military funding would be increased to allow for the construction of more ships and for upgrades to be made to existing machinery and crafts.
On Saturday, his message echoed the same.
“That’s why we reached a deal to secure an additional $20 billion for defense this year and it’s going up. I asked congress for another $54 billion for next year,” Trump told the crowd. “Now, we need congress to do its job and pass the budget that provides for higher, stable and predictable funding levels for our military needs and our fighting women and men need. And it will get, believe me. You will get it, don’t worry about it.”
Hundreds lined the pier below the freshly christened ship as government and Navy officials alike celebrated its completion, with the Navy band playing tunes like “God Bless America.”
Inside the ship’s hull, a banner styled in the Navy’s traditional blue and gold read, “Integrity at the Helm.” A larger banner hung from the side of the ship, decked out in red, white and blue, and proclaimed “Made in the USA.”
A 21-gun salute kicked off the ceremony, each shot vibrating the dock before planes flew over the crowd.
“For the rest of your lives,” President Trump said to the ship’s crew on board, “you’ll be able to tell your friends and family that you served on greatest ship in the U.S. Navy and, in my opinion, the greatest ship in the world.”
Trump went on to thank the thousands of men and women who built the 1,100-foot ship, calling it a symbol of American power and prestige.
“American steel and hands have constructed a 100,000-ton message to the world that American might is second to none,” Trump said. “And we’re getting bigger, and better and stronger every day of my administration. That, I can tell you.”
“If the fight does come,” Trump said, “…we will never lose. We will win, win, win.”
The CNV 78 aircraft carrier boasts nearly two dozen new technologies not present on older carriers – including a more spacious flight deck, an electromagnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arresting gear to better recover incoming aircraft.
Admiral John Richardson said that while officials and citizens celebrated its commission, the day is not one of celebration for everyone.
“For those in the world who wish to terrorize us here in the U.S. and abroad, those who wish to challenge our shores, those who challenge our values…,” Richardson said, “this is not a day of celebration for them. This is their worst nightmare.”
Before serving as the 38th President of the United States, Ford joined the Navy in 1942 after the attacks at Pearl Harbor. A naval officer, Ford joined the USS Monterey the following year during World War II and was aboard the ship in December 1944 during a typhoon. Ford nearly fell from the ship’s deck into frigid waters below and just narrowly missed becoming one of hundreds of casualties.
In 1946, Ford was released from active duty and formally resigned from the Navy in 1963. He would go on to serve in congress and as vice president, before taking the oval office on August 9, 1974, amid the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.
Construction of the aircraft carrier began on Nov. 13, 2009, just under three years after Ford’s death on Dec. 26, 2006. The carrier was delivered to the Navy in May by Huntington Ingalls Industries – its craftsmanship deemed America at its best by the president.
Susan Ford Bales, Ford’s daughter and sponsor of the ship, was awarded the title of honorary naval aviator – becoming the first woman and 31st person overall to receive the distinction. Bales said her father was overjoyed when he learned CVN 78 would be named for him. She calls the carrier the “mightiest ship ever built.”
Bales was asked to “bring the ship to life” during the Saturday morning ceremony, seconds after the ship’s watch was set.
“There is no one, absolutely no one that would be prouder of the commissioning of this ship than the president, Gerald R. Ford,” Bales said. “Man our ship and bring her to life.”
Sailors returned her call, racing up stairs and along the rails of the carrier.
Capt. Richard McCormack will serve as the Ford’s first commanding officer. McCormack enlisted in the Navy in 1984. He attended the United States Naval Academy and Preparatory School, graduating in 1990. He has served on several of the Navy’s ships, including the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS George Washington.
The technology of the USS Gerald R. Ford, albeit impressive McCormack said, will never be better than the crew.
“The sailors on board today are among the nation’s finest,” McCormack said. “I am very proud to be their captain.”
Former president of Newport News Shipbuilding Matthew Mulherin spoke about the construction and sea trials of the carrier, commenting on its magnificence.
“Building CVN 78 has been an exciting journey,” Mulherin said. “…we drove her like we stole her and she performed like a champ.”
Slated as the next ship to see construction in the Ford class, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is expected for delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2022.
Until then, the Ford will remain the Navy’s newest ship.
“Today, this ship officially begins its role in the honorable U.S. Navy,” Trump said. “…with this ship, we honor [Ford] for his lifetime of selfless and distinguished service.”
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This article was published in partnership with WYDaily’s sister publication Southside Daily.
Editor’s note: A correction has been made to a quote by President Donald Trump. The president said “100,000-ton,” not “1,000-ton” in reference to the weight of the USS Gerald R. Ford. Also, Trump presided over the U.S. Navy’s first commissioning ceremony of an aircraft carrier class in more than 40 years, not the first commissioning ceremony in 40 years, as the article originally stated.
