The USS Gerald R. Ford: First Deployment of the World’s Largest Warship and its Role in NATO’s Defense

The USS Gerald R. Ford—standing as the largest and most advanced warship in the world—embodies a new era of naval power. When she embarked on her maiden deployment in October 2022, she wasn’t just showcasing American naval might; she was also reinforcing the collective security of the NATO alliance. Here’s an inside look at the significance, daily life, and operational prowess of the Ford’s first journey.

Setting Sail: From North America to Europe

The USS Gerald R. Ford’s first operational deployment began in Halifax, Canada. The carrier, leading a multinational NATO Carrier Strike Group, embarked on a transatlantic journey that retraced a historic route: the supply paths used by Canadian and US convoys during World War II.

Eighty years ago, Allied sailors braved relentless enemies and punishing seas on the Atlantic to keep vital supply lines open—an effort that shaped the outcome of WWII’s longest battle. Today, the Ford’s crossing symbolizes the enduring partnership and readiness of NATO’s naval forces.

Evolution of the Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft carriers have come far since WWII, both in design and in strategic purpose. Nuclear power gave US carriers essentially unlimited range; powerful steam catapults enabled them to launch the heaviest jets anywhere in the world. Soon enough, the carrier strike group became a signature of Allied naval might, with escorting warships forming a formidable “ring of steel” around the carrier’s vulnerable core.

If a carrier strike group could be summed up in one phrase, it is the centrepiece of power projection. Operating independently or with NATO partners, it can bring overwhelming force to any region needed—swiftly and reliably.

What Makes the USS Gerald R. Ford Unique?

Commissioned in 2017, the Ford represents the first in a brand-new class of American supercarriers. It is, according to the US Navy, “the most technologically advanced carrier to ever set sail.” Here’s why:

Next-Gen Propulsion and Power: The Ford features an all-new nuclear propulsion plant and electrical system, allowing for potentially reduced crew sizes, simpler maintenance, and increased reliability.
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS): Replacing the classic steam catapults, EMALS is essentially a giant railgun that can launch jets of varying sizes and weights more efficiently, inflicting less wear and tear on airframes—a critical feature as unmanned aerial vehicles become more prevalent.
Advanced Arresting Gear: The Ford’s arresting wires can handle a wider variety of aircraft types, further future-proofing the carrier.
Optimized for the Future: Ford-class carriers are designed for decades of upgrades, anticipating changes in both aircraft technology and global tactical needs.

The Heart of the Ship: Carrier Air Wing Eight

A carrier’s true strength lies in its air wing. On its maiden deployment, the Ford embarked with Carrier Air Wing Eight—around 60 aircraft, ranging from frontline strike fighters to surveillance planes and helicopters. Each has a tactical role, forming offensive and defensive layers much like a football team, with intricate coordination required for mission success.

Naval aviators undergo intense preparation, both mental and physical, for the unique challenge of carrier takeoffs and landings. The “cat shot,” when a fighter is thrown off the deck by the launch system, is the payoff for hours of gear checks and complex crew choreography. Landing, a heart-pounding feat in all weather conditions, relies on the “tail hook” to catch steel arresting wires—stopping 20 tonnes of jet in seconds. It’s among the most challenging jobs in aviation, but training and technology have transformed panic into muscle memory.

Life Aboard: Sustained Operations and Camaraderie

The Ford is more than a floating airfield; it’s a temporary home for over 4,000 sailors and aircrews. Life at sea can be monotonous, challenging the endurance of even experienced sailors. “Underway replenishments” allow the Ford to stay at sea—resupplying everything from fuel to mail via complex transfers with supply ships and helicopters.

A strong sense of camaraderie helps the crew manage stress and overcome the grind of extended deployments. Gyms, shared meals, and support among shipmates foster the resilience needed to “get to the finish line” of the mission.

Training with Allies: Deterrence and Integration

The Ford arrived off the coast of Portugal, joined by warships from six NATO member navies. Together, they simulated high-intensity maritime operations: air intercepts, anti-ship strikes, anti-submarine warfare, and more. The exercises demonstrated two critical messages:

Deterrence:

 The presence of the world’s most powerful warship and her strike group is a visible warning to potential adversaries—any aggression faces a unified, coordinated response.

Alliance Integration:

 Modern defense is a team effort. Training with partners ensures that, in crisis, ships and crews from different nations can work seamlessly together, maximizing collective might.

The Human Side: Farewells and Milestones

For several aviators, this deployment marked their last carrier landings—a deeply emotional milestone. As they reflected, what they would miss most wasn’t the thrill of flying, but the teamwork and trust shared on deck: “It’s really a symphony of literally thousands of dedicated people working together towards one common goal.” That spirit underscores the carrier’s true value—its people.

A New Chapter in Naval Presence

With the end of the deployment, the Ford’s mission had only begun. Within months, the ship was back in European waters for a full NATO tour, at the forefront of the alliance’s posture of deterrence and collective defense.

In an era of shifting threats and uncertainty, the Gerald R. Ford sets a new standard for naval power. She is both a shield and a signal—of American resolve, NATO unity, and a shared commitment to security on the high seas.

As the world’s largest warship, the Ford now stands watch in Europe and beyond, ever-ready to defend peace and respond to challenge wherever it may arise.

Full Video: