NORFOLK, Va. — The first in class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is back in its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk Saturday Naval Station Norfolk after its first deployment. Ford is the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in more than 40 years.
“I am honored to welcome the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group home from their inaugural deployment in the Atlantic, where they strengthened relationships with Allies and partners, exercised combined capabilities, and demonstrated our commitment in the Atlantic,” said Vice Adm. Dan Dwyer, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Joint Force Command, Norfolk.
"This deployment brought together an incredible group of Allies and partners with one single focus -- to contribute to a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free Atlantic region through our combined naval power. Opportunities to interoperate and integrate make our nations, our navies, and the NATO Alliance stronger."
The carrier strike group first left on Oct. 4. The Sailors participating in Ford’s first deployment integrated multiple foreign nations’ ships into the strike group to operate together efficiently.
The nations that participated with the U.S. during this deployment were Canada, The Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Finland, and Sweden.
The strike group also sailed more than 9,200 miles, completed more than 1,250 sorties, expended 78.3 tons of ordnance, integrated helicopters from Spain and Canada, completed 13 underway replenishments, and hosted more than 400 distinguished visitors.
"Leading the men and women of the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group has been awe-inspiring. Every day these Sailors committed themselves 100% to a safe and successful inaugural deployment of Ford and the strike group," said Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12.
"This deployment laid a strong foundation for the strike group, created momentum to carry us forward for future operations, and has prepared us to answer our nation's call when needed," Huffman said.