Gerald R. Ford

GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) 46 STATES THAT NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING SUPPLY NNS The Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) class is a next-generation carrier with increased capability at lower total ownership cost. Thousands of skilled industrial workers support the next generation of aircraft carriers. Our industrial base numbers more than 2,000 small, mid- sized and large businesses in 46 states across the United States that contributes specialized parts, skilled services and support to aircraft carrier production and maintenance. ISLAND FACTS: NUMBER OF SHIPBUILDERS WORKING ON • The island weighs 555 metric tons (493 tons of structure and 62 tons of equipment) FORD: ABOUT 3,500 • The Ford island is 30 feet wide and 60 feet long at the flight deck base; the island rises 72 feet above flight deck and incorporates nine individual deck levels INCREASED FLEXIBILITY & CAPABILITY: GREATER OPERATIONAL AVAILABILITY & The island is shorter in length, but stands 20 feet taller than the previous aircraft carriers' islands. IT IS THE NAVY'S FIRST SURFACE WARSHIP 3X ELECTRIC PLANT CAPACITY. SORTIE TO BE COMPLETELY DESIGNED USING A GENERATION RATES INCREASED BY 25% •It will be erected 140 feet further aft and 3 feet further outboard than previous carriers to improve flight deck access for aircraft operations. 3-DIMENSIONAL PRODUCT MODEL. 53% The Ford island incorporates the latest technology in flat panel array radar systems, and dual band radar that provides improved functionality. INCREASED AFFORDABILITY: TOTAL SHIP OWNERSHIP COST REDUCTION & COMPLETION OVER 650 90% BILLET REDUCTION CONSTRUCTION IS WELL UNDERWAY (53 PERCENT COMPLETE) WITH 90 PERCENT OF THE STRUCTURAL UNITS ERECTED NEW TO CVN 78: New design features include a new nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, an advanced arresting gear, improved weapons movement, an enhanced flight deck capable of increased aircraft sortie rates, and growth margin for future technologies and reduced manning. GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) FACTS: • Named for President Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States Keel Laid: November 2009 Christening: 2013 Ship's Sponsor: Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford NN Newport News Shipbuilding A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries Officers and Crew: Currently about 20