PEO Aircraft Carriers

Last week at Drexel University, we at NDIA Delaware Valley Chapter hosted our 5th Annual Naval Nuclear Submarine & Aircraft Carrier Supplier's Conference. DVC is deeply committed to connecting industry leaders, government stakeholders, and suppliers to advance critical programs like the Navy’s nuclear aircraft carrier and submarine shipbuilding programs. Through events such as this, we highlight the exceptional contributions of our membership while providing a platform to share insights, build partnerships, and address the challenges facing our defense industrial base.    Five years ago, this conference was launched with a profound recognition: our members, the industry suppliers, play an indispensable role in the success of these shipbuilding programs. This conference was created to spotlight your importance. The Navy demonstrated their unity in that Mission and was emphasized by each exceptional speaker including, Mr. Christopher Miller, RADM Jonathan Rucker, Ms. Meganne Atkins, RADM Todd Weeks, and Mr. Todd Loyd.

Newport News shipbuilders successfully moved the mid-body hull section of US Navy Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (#CVN80) within the dry dock for the first time. Take a look at this time-lapse video showing the evolution, and then read about why this move is historic and will set up the shipyard to begin building two aircraft carriers in the dry dock at the same time: https://lnkd.in/eWkYTywp

#ThrowbackThursday to Oct. 11, 1975, when Newport News Shipbuilding laid the keel for USS Carl Vinson (#CVN70) and christened USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (#CVN69) during a dual ceremony. About 8,000 people were on hand to watch the keel authentication for CVN 70 before witnessing CVN 69 Ship’s Sponsor Mamie Eisenhower – the widow of President Dwight D. Eisenhower – christen that aircraft carrier. Following the christening, CVN 69 was launched and moved to a pier for outfitting work. Take a look at these photos from that busy day 49 years ago.

Congratulations to USS Gerald R. Ford for being named best all-around ship in the Atlantic Fleet!! 🎉🥳👏🎊 📍NORFOLK, Va. - The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was named the best all-around ship in the Atlantic Fleet based on accumulation of achievements, Sept. 30. Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented the 2024 Battenberg Cup award to the crew of Ford during a ceremony held aboard the carrier at Naval Station Norfolk. “Ford’s unmatched successes in 2023 have more than validated its namesake of “Integrity at the Helm,” said Caudle. “Ford’s exceptional achievements as a frontline combat ship in the Atlantic Fleet are a direct tribute to the steadfast leadership, dedication, and consistently high performance of the Wardroom, the Chief Petty Officers, and the entire crew.” Since 1977, the Battenberg Cup award is presented annually to a ship or submarine selected by the fleet commander as the best all-around in the Atlantic Fleet, based on crew achievements. Ford was selected as this year’s Battenberg Cup Award Winner after exhibiting superior battle efficiency during the 2023 calendar year. Ford met the demanding requirements of a carrier strike group deployment to the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of operations. Supporting multiple combatant commanders, Ford supported multinational exercises, operating seamlessly with Allied and Coalition Navies and Joint U.S. services. Ford successfully completed an eight-month deployment to the United States European Command Area of Responsibility, masterfully sailing more than 83,400 nautical miles while conducting 54 replenishments-at-sea, 26 restricted water transits, and five anchorages in foreign ports. “I could not be more proud of this crew, said Capt. Rick Burgess, Ford’s commanding officer. “The Sailors on this ship are extraordinary and incredibly smart. They make this ship what it is, and I look forward to what they will do in the future.” While in the Mediterranean, Ford immediately responded to the Israel-Hamas Conflict by proceeding at best speed to the Eastern Mediterranean, providing presence and meaningful deterrence. Additionally, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest, largest, and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the first in its class, the ship represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), and Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWE). The new systems on Ford-class ships maximize efficiencies and capabilities with a 20% smaller crew than a Nimitz-class carrier, paving the way for future naval aviation.