Story Number: NNS170722-01Release Date: 7/22/2017
By Ens. Corey Todd Jones
NORFOLK (NNS), USA -- President
Donald J. Trump commissioned the new aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford
(CVN-78) at a commissioning ceremony July 22.2017.
A commissioning is a day of celebration, and honors the dedication, team
work, and collaboration of Sailors, legislators, shipbuilders, program
managers, and the ship's sponsor in delivering the ship to the fleet.
Trump landed on the flight deck in Marine One and was greeted by
Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean
Stackley, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and USS Gerald
R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick McCormack.
Over 10,000 friends and family members attended the event, watching the
festivities from the hangar bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
(CVN 69).
Distinguished members of the party offered remarks to honor the occasion.
"Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our allies will rest
easy and our enemies will shake with fear because everyone will know
that America is coming and America is coming strong," said Trump. "Our
true strength is our people. Our greatest weapon is all of you. Our
nation endures because we have citizens who love America and who are
willing to fight for America."
He continued, "We are so very blessed with warriors who are willing to
serve America in the greatest fighting force in history, the United
States military. Today this ship officially begins its role in the noble
military history of our great nation."
Stackley also addressed the crowd.
"So skipper, as we marvel at the technology and the daunting numbers
that measure this ship, never lose sight that in times of crisis, you
will be the first to respond, and when called upon, you will deliver the
final word in the bidding of our nation," said Stackley. "Whenever you
sail, wherever you sail, you will be a symbol of Unites States resolve
and you will be a symbol of the man whose name you bear."
After the ship's sponsor and President Ford's daughter Susan Ford Bales
gave the traditional command to "Man our ship and bring her to life,"
Ford Sailors ran up the brows and manned the rails as the band played
"Anchor's Aweigh."
McCormack expressed his pride in the work his crew has done to get the ship ready to serve in the fleet.
"The Sailors aboard today are among our nation's finest," said
McCormack. "They are talented, driven, innovative, dedicated, and
passionate about what they do and I am very proud to be their commanding
officer. Team Wolverine, I have the utmost faith and confidence in your
abilities to handle any challenge ahead, and I can think of no better
team to take this ship to sea."
After the ceremony, the ship was opened to the general public for tours,
which included the flight deck, the commanding officer's in-port cabin,
pilot house, mess decks, fo'c'sle, and the newly opened tribute room.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the lead ship in the Ford-class of
aircraft carrier, the first new class in more than 40 years, and will
begin the phased replacement
of Nimitz-class carriers.CVN-78 honors the 38th president of the United States and pays tribute
to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to
the nation. During World War II Ford attained the rank of lieutenant
commander in the Navy, serving on the light carrier USS Monterey (CVL
26). Ford became president in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and
served in the country's highest office from 1974-1977.
