CVN-78 USS Gerald R. Ford

An artist's conception (2004) of CVN-78, the first of a new generation carrier design, CVN-21, for the US Navy, underway at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Construction is slated to begin in 2007. US Navy Photo (# 060630-N-0000X-001) courtesy Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding

Image source: NavSource

Highlights of Ship's Service History

Newport News, Va., Aug. 11, 2005 — The participants of the cutting for the first piece of steel for CVN-78, the first ship of the CVN-21 program, pose during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The ceremony was held at the shipyard's new heavy-plate bay facility, one of several new facilities built for the CVN-21 program.

Left to right: RADM H. Denby Starling II, Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, USN; RADM David Architzel, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, USN; Joe S. Frank, Mayor of Newport News; Mike Petters, president, Northrop Grumman Newport News; Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.); Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.); and CAPT Michael E. McMahon, Commanding Officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News, USN.

Photo by John Whalen, courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corporation (# 050811-O-0000W-002).

Image source: NavSource

11 Aug 2005