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The New York Times
Topic Started: Feb 23 2014, 07:42 AM (343 Views)
Rezim
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Newest vessels boost US projection capabilities

WASHINGTON -- In a formal commissioning ceremony, Chief of Naval Operations ADM Michelle J. Howard remarked, "She is truly a technological marvel," summarizing in one short sentence the monumental vessel which stood behind her. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the first of its class, had finally taken its rightful place amongst the world's largest and most powerful Navy. Taking over the duties of the now-retired USS Enterprise, the vessel restores the United States Navy to its full strength, and provides additional capabilities which will be absolutely necessary in the future of power projection.

Gerald R. Ford is intended to be the first of a class of ten aircraft carriers that offer significant performance improvements over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Gerald R. Ford is equipped with an active electronically scanned array multi-function radar, and an island that is shorter in length and 20 feet taller than that of the Nimitz-class; it is set 140 feet further aft and 3 feet closer to the edge of the ship. Electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) launch aircraft, eliminating the need to store water and heat it for steam catapults. Gerald R. Ford can accomplish 25% more aircraft launches per day than the Nimitz-class and requires 25% fewer crew members. According to the Navy, it will save $4 billion in operating costs over a 50 year lifespan.

In the ceremony, ADM Michelle J. Howard also announced that the next two ships in the class - CVN-81 and CVN-82 - would be named Ernest King and Louis E. Denfeld respectively. "With the completion of the USS Gerald R. Ford, I am proud to announce today that despite previous budgetary constraints, the John F. Kennedy has been laid down according to schedule, and will be joining us shortly in 2020, to begin the replacement of the first Nimitz-class carrier. I also take this opportunity, with the agreement of the Secretary of the Navy, in announcing, that the subsequent fourth and fifth vessels of this class, will be named after Ernest King and Louis E. Denfeld respectively, participants of the Revolt of the Admirals, and key figures in securing a modern navy focused on ensuring that the seas remain open to all."

The second vessel to be commissioned, albeit with much less fanfare, was the USS Michael Monsoor, a Zumwalt-class destroyer, and the most advanced such vessel in the world. This brings the total number of vessels of this class in service to two, with a third to join in 2019. The Obama Administration confirmed an order for a fourth vessel by the Navy in 2016, which will see it commissioned in 2020 as the construction process is ironed out and continued production builds experience. "This vessel will act as the primary land attack and littoral dominance vessel of our carrier fleets throughout the world."
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