The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has embarked on her first-ever full mission - an aircraft carrier group with destroyers, missile cruisers, fighters and helicopters headed for Europe

Four years ago, the US Navy received the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). And now it has embarked on its first-ever full-fledged mission.

Here's What We Know

During the initial deployment phase, the US super-ship is expected to perform routine operations in the waters around Europe. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) operated in the Atlantic in 2022 as part of its first-ever operational deployment and underwent exercises with European allies. However, the US Navy acknowledged that it was more of a stress test for the ship.

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush class Nimitz recently returned to Norfolk. She completed an eight-month tour that took her to several countries in Europe and the Middle East. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) will now take its place.

It is expected to have a mission of at least six months' duration. The ship has received all certificates and met all key requirements for deployment. This was announced last month by US Navy Captain Brian Metcalf.

The aircraft carrier group USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) comprises several ships:

• USS Ramage (destroyer);
• USS McFaul (destroyer);
• USS Thomas Hudner (destroyer);
• USS Normandy (missile cruiser).

The group also includes three squadrons of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, an E-2 Hawkeye logistics squadron and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. Of course, they have a squadron of HH-60S Seahawk helicopters as well.

Source: The War Zone