The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy’s lead ship of the new Ford-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, has officially been recognized as the World’s Largest Warship and the largest aircraft carrier ever built. This colossal vessel represents the pinnacle of contemporary naval engineering and technological supremacy.
A Floating City of Unprecedented Scale
Measuring a staggering 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length and displacing approximately 100,000 tons at full load, the Gerald R. Ford is essentially a floating city designed for global power projection. The ship’s immense flight deck spans 256 feet wide and is capable of operating an air wing of over 75 aircraft.
Nuclear Power: Two Bechtel A1B nuclear reactors generate enough electrical power to operate for up to 25 years without refueling, providing triple the electrical power of its Nimitz-class predecessors.
Advanced Launch Systems: It is the first carrier equipped with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), which replace steam catapults. These systems allow for a 33% increase in the aircraft launch and recovery rate, known as the sortie generation rate.
Reduced Crew Requirements: Extensive automation and new design features have reduced the required crew complement by nearly a thousand personnel compared to the Nimitz class, promising billions in life-cycle savings.
The aircraft carrier, named after the 38th U.S. President, began construction in 2009 and was formally commissioned into the U.S. Navy on July 22, 2017. Despite its complexity and initial development challenges, its deployment showcases America’s commitment to maintaining maritime dominance for the next 50 years and beyond. The carrier is currently serving as a crucial element of the U.S. Navy’s global deterrent strategy, having conducted operations in the North Sea and the Mediterranean.
