The Gerald R. Ford returns from sea trials

The Gerald R. Ford returns from sea trials

Staff , WVEC 2:32 PM. EDT April 14, 2017

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) – The first of the U.S. Navy’s new class of aircraft carriers has returned following a week of sea trials.

Last Saturday the future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) embarked from Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding to conduct “builder’s trials” to test various state-of-the-art systems.

The Navy says primary risk reduction objectives were successfully met, and the Navy and shipbuilder learned a great deal about the ship’s performance during the extensive testing.

The Ford reportedly remains on track to conduct “acceptance trials” which are conducted by Navy inspectors and delivery to the Navy is expected this spring.