NORFOLK, Va. — There's a new leader at the helm of USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
The Navy held a change of command ceremony on Friday aboard the aircraft carrier at Naval Station Norfolk.
Captain Paul Lanzilotta assumed the duties as the fourth Commanding Officer of the Ford. He takes over for Captain John Cummings, who led the Ford through what is called "post-shakedown availability," and flight deck and air traffic control certifications.
Most recently, Lanzilotta served as Commanding Officer of USS Arlington (LPD 24).
The $13 billion Ford still needs to go through the crucial "shock trials" this summer.