The largest US aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford to arrive in Split again

The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) will arrive in Split on Tuesday for a planned port visit, announced the US Embassy.

This is the aircraft carrier's second visit to Split and Croatia, following a previous stop in 2023. This visit is planned as part of its ongoing deployment to the US 6th Fleet area of operations to support the wartime readiness and maritime security of US naval forces Europe-Africa and to strengthen the commitment of the US, its allies and partners to stability and security in Europe.

“Routine port visits such as this one strengthen defense partnerships and reflect the close relationship between the United States and Croatia, a valued NATO ally,” the Embassy stressed.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the largest warship ever built. It is more than 330 meters long, 76 meters high and has 25 decks. Construction cost $12.8 billion, and another $4.7 billion was spent on research and development. It can carry 75 aircraft. In addition to the aviation personnel, the crew consists of 4,500 crew members.

The ship carries the most advanced carrier-based fighters, F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, reconnaissance and early warning aircraft E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, naval attack aircraft for counter-electronic warfare EA-18G Growler and multirole helicopters MH-60R/S and numerous types of unmanned aerial vehicles.

As a first-in-class ship for the next generation of aircraft carriers, it brings many technologies to achieve greater lethality, survivability and joint interoperability, while reducing operational and maintenance costs. The USS Gerald R. Ford, designated CVN 78, is the first new carrier designed in more than 40 years, and is designed to have the flexibility to operate with future generations of aircraft. It was named after the 38th president of the United States, Gerald Ford.

Source: HRT