4
4
0
Get your tickets for the big event. The U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, will join the fleet Saturday, July 22 at 10:00 A.M. at Naval Station Norfolk when the ship is officially commissioned United States Ship (USS) Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
One of the time-honored traditions in American history is the christening and commissioning of a capital ship of the Navy, which began with USS Alfred in 1775. Maritime lore has held for centuries that the spirit of the ship's sponsor enters the vessel at christening and remains with it forever.
On November 9, 2013, Susan Ford Bales the daughter of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford and ship's sponsor christened PCU Gerald R. Ford. Once commissioned, it becomes a ship of the line, this will pay lasting tribute to the life, achievements and Presidency of her father the 38th President of the United States.
One of the time-honored traditions in American history is the christening and commissioning of a capital ship of the Navy, which began with USS Alfred in 1775. Maritime lore has held for centuries that the spirit of the ship's sponsor enters the vessel at christening and remains with it forever.
On November 9, 2013, Susan Ford Bales the daughter of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford and ship's sponsor christened PCU Gerald R. Ford. Once commissioned, it becomes a ship of the line, this will pay lasting tribute to the life, achievements and Presidency of her father the 38th President of the United States.
Posted from ussgeraldrfordcommissioning.org
Posted in these groups: Aircraft Carriers
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
3
3
0
I have been at a commissioning ceremony, and part of a commissioning crew. It is an awesome experience. This one is special in that it is not only an aircraft carrier, but also a new class of ship.
(3)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
SCPO Jason McLaughlin I would imagine this will be quite a big event. Wish I could see it.
(0)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
Plank owners are a tiny percentage of the Navy. I got mine in 1967, also in Norfolk with the USS Dubuque (LPD-8). When she was decommissioned in 2011, she had been part of the fleet for almost 44 years, about twice the average length of time. I totally agree - it was an awesome experience and one of my fondest memories and proudest moments.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
0
0
0
I will have to miss this one. My last Aircraft Carrier I served on for 3 years was the USS Enterprise CVN-65 (Recently Decommissioned after 50 years service). I understand CVN-80 of this Ford Class is already named USS Enterprise. That will be the one I will NOT miss! Thanks for your post.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google