The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) isn’t just a ship; it’s a marvel of modern engineering, a testament to human ingenuity, and a floating city unlike any other. As the lead ship of her class and currently the world’s largest aircraft carrier, this colossal vessel redefines what’s possible at sea, pushing the boundaries of naval technology and operational capability. Stepping aboard is like entering a new dimension, where cutting-edge innovation meets the relentless demands of global defense.
From its immense scale to its revolutionary power systems and state-of-the-art combat technology, the Ford class represents a quantum leap forward from its predecessors, the venerable Nimitz-class carriers. Every inch of this magnificent warship, which required years of meticulous design and construction, is optimized for efficiency, power, and the complex task of projecting American might across the oceans. It’s a showcase of how human endeavor can craft structures that are both awe-inspiringly massive and incredibly precise.
In this deep dive, we’ll journey into the inner workings and daily rhythms of the USS Gerald R. Ford, revealing the incredible systems and the dedicated individuals who bring this technological titan to life. Get ready to explore the innovations that make this carrier a true flagship of the 21st century, from its game-changing launch systems to its advanced radar, its formidable defenses, and the sheer logistical brilliance required to sustain a floating fortress of this magnitude.
1. **A Floating City on the Seas: Scale and Crew Complement**The sheer scale of the USS Gerald R. Ford is almost impossible to grasp without experiencing it firsthand. This behemoth displaces about 100,000 long tons (100,000 tonnes) at full load, stretching an astounding 1,106 feet (337 meters) in length. Its flight deck alone spans 256 feet (78 meters) in beam, providing an expansive, dynamic platform for continuous air operations, while its waterline beam is a substantial 134 feet (41 meters). These dimensions make it not only the largest aircraft carrier but the largest warship ever constructed, a true titan of the seas.
With 25 decks soaring 250 feet (76 meters) high from its draft of 39 feet (12 meters), the Ford is truly a miniature city afloat. This immense structure is designed to accommodate a staggering complement of 4,539 personnel, including its integrated air wing. During deployments, roughly 5,000 people call this vessel home, transforming it into a self-sufficient community capable of operating independently for extended periods. The challenge of sustaining such a large population in the vastness of the ocean is a logistical marvel in itself.
Life on board such a massive vessel is, in many ways, a contradiction. While the ship itself is gargantuan, personal space for individual sailors can be surprisingly limited. As 1st Class Petty Officer Preston Moller from De Pere, Wisconsin, who works on the Gerald Ford, observed, “The weirdest part about living on an aircraft carrier is coping with the lack of space you get. We don’t get very much room for our personal belongings.” This emphasizes the unique environment where thousands live and work in close quarters, a testament to their dedication and adaptability in tight, yet efficient, living arrangements.
The design of the Ford class, however, optimizes layouts and integrates advanced systems to reduce overall manpower. Even with nearly 5,000 souls on board, modern amenities and carefully planned operational zones aim to maximize both efficiency and crew quality of life, ensuring critical duties are performed with precision and resilience.
Military equipment: Batavia (1628 ship)
InfoboxCaption: Batavia
ShipImage: De BATAVIA voor de film onderweg als de NIEUW HOORN (02).jpg
ShipCaption: Full-scale replica of the Batavia
ShipCountry: Dutch Republic
ShipFlag: shipboxflag
ShipNamesake: Batavia, Dutch East Indies
ShipOwner: Dutch East India Company
ShipCompleted: 1628
ShipMaidenVoyage: 29 October 1628
ShipFate: Wallabi Group,Houtman Abrolhos
ShipClass: East Indiaman
ShipComplement: 341 passengers and crew
ShipTonnage: 600 tons
ShipLength: 45.3 m
Abbr: off
Sp: us
ShipBeam: 10.19 m
ShipHoldDepth: 5.45 m
ShipSailPlan: Full-rigged ship
HideHeader: true
ShipSpeed: [object Object]
ShipArmament: at least 22 cast-iron cannon, 6 bronze, 2 composite
Categories: 1620s ships, All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with Open Library links, Articles with short description
Summary: Batavia (Dutch pronunciation: [baːˈtaːvijaː] ) was a ship of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). She was built in Amsterdam in 1628 as the flagship of one of the three annual fleets of company ships and sailed that year on her maiden voyage for Batavia, capital of the Dutch East Indies. On 4 June 1629, Batavia was wrecked on the Houtman Abrolhos, a chain of small islands off Western Australia.
As the ship broke apart, approximately 300 of the Batavia’s 341 passengers and crew made their way ashore, the rest drowning in their attempts. Her commander, Francisco Pelsaert, sailed to Batavia to get help, leaving in charge senior VOC official Jeronimus Cornelisz, unaware he had been plotting a mutiny prior to the wreck. Cornelisz tricked about twenty men under soldier Wiebbe Hayes into searching for fresh water on nearby islands, leaving them to die. With the help of other mutineers, he then orchestrated a massacre that, over the course of several weeks, resulted in the murder of approximately 125 of the remaining survivors, including women, children and infants; a small number of women were kept as sex slaves.
Meanwhile, Hayes’ group had unexpectedly found fresh water and, after learning of the atrocities, waged battles with Cornelisz’s group. In October 1629, at the height of their last and deadliest battle, they were interrupted by the return of Pelsaert aboard the rescue vessel Sardam. Pelsaert subsequently tried and convicted Cornelisz and six of his men, who became the first Europeans to be legally executed in Australia. Two other mutineers, convicted of comparatively minor crimes, were marooned on mainland Australia, thus becoming the first Europeans to permanently inhabit the Australian continent, although nothing more was heard of them. Only 122 of the original passengers made it to the port of Batavia.
Associated today with “one of the worst horror stories in maritime history”, Batavia has been the subject of numerous published histories. Due to its unique place in the history of European contact with Australia, the story of Batavia is sometimes offered as an alternative founding narrative to the landing of the First Fleet in Sydney.
Of the forty-seven or so VOC wrecks which have been located and identified, Batavia is the only early 17th century example from which the remaining hull components have been retrieved, conserved and subject to detailed study. Many Batavia artifacts are housed at the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle, while a replica of the ship is moored as a museum ship in Lelystad in the Netherlands.
Get more information about: Batavia (1628 ship)
2. **The Heart of Power: Nuclear Propulsion System**At the core of the USS Gerald R. Ford’s incredible capabilities lies its cutting-edge nuclear propulsion system, a marvel of engineering that grants this warship unparalleled independence and endurance. Unlike conventionally powered vessels, the Ford is driven by two Bechtel A1B Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) nuclear reactors, utilizing highly enriched uranium (HEU) at 93.5%. These reactors are not just power sources; they are the very lifeblood of the entire ship, providing immense energy for propulsion and all onboard systems.
This advanced nuclear power plant enables the Ford to achieve speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph), allowing it to rapidly deploy to global hotspots and sustain high-speed operations. Without needing to refuel for approximately 25 years, this extraordinary range and endurance mean the carrier can remain on station for extended periods, reducing logistical vulnerabilities and increasing its strategic flexibility far from homeports.
The nuclear power system is also responsible for generating the vast amounts of electricity needed to run the carrier’s sophisticated electronic systems, its advanced weapons, and, crucially, the revolutionary Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). This integration of power generation with cutting-edge operational technology underscores the Ford’s design philosophy: an all-electric ship where power is distributed efficiently to every vital component, enhancing both performance and reliability.
For sailors like Machinist Mate Nuclear 1st Class Preston Moller, their role involves “running the nuclear power plants and everything.” His specialty includes the fluid systems onboard the reactor plants, overseeing steam systems, and even creating fresh drinking water from seawater. He noted, “Everything from every toilet flush, every glass of water you drink we make fresh here on board from seawater.” This highlights the immense responsibility and technical expertise required to operate such a complex and self-sufficient power system.
Military equipment: Nuclear power
Categories: All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with dead external links, All articles with failed verification, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing German-language text
Summary: Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity. Nuclear power can be obtained from nuclear fission, nuclear decay and nuclear fusion reactions. Presently, the vast majority of electricity from nuclear power is produced by nuclear fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear power plants. Nuclear decay processes are used in niche applications such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators in some space probes such as Voyager 2. Reactors producing controlled fusion power have been operated since 1958 but have yet to generate net power and are not expected to be commercially available in the near future.
The first nuclear power plant was built in the 1950s. The global installed nuclear capacity grew to 100 GW in the late 1970s, and then expanded during the 1980s, reaching 300 GW by 1990. The 1979 Three Mile Island accident in the United States and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union resulted in increased regulation and public opposition to nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants supplied 2,602 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in 2023, equivalent to about 9% of global electricity generation, and were the second largest low-carbon power source after hydroelectricity. As of November 2024, there are 415 civilian fission reactors in the world, with overall capacity of 374 GW, 66 under construction and 87 planned, with a combined capacity of 72 GW and 84 GW, respectively. The United States has the largest fleet of nuclear reactors, generating almost 800 TWh per year with an average capacity factor of 92%. The average global capacity factor is 89%. Most new reactors under construction are generation III reactors in Asia.
Nuclear power is a safe, sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions. This is because nuclear power generation causes one of the lowest levels of fatalities per unit of energy generated compared to other energy sources. “Economists estimate that each nuclear plant built could save more than 800,000 life years.” Coal, petroleum, natural gas and hydroelectricity have each caused more fatalities per unit of energy due to air pollution and accidents. Nuclear power plants also emit no greenhouse gases and result in less life-cycle carbon emissions than common sources of renewable energy. The radiological hazards associated with nuclear power are the primary motivations of the anti-nuclear movement, which contends that nuclear power poses threats to people and the environment, citing the potential for accidents like the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011, and is too expensive to deploy when compared to alternative sustainable energy sources.
Get more information about: Nuclear power
Read more about: From Giants of the Sea to Legends of the Skies: The Unfolding Saga of US Navy Aircraft Carriers
3. **Launching the Future: Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)**One of the most revolutionary innovations aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford is the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), a game-changing technology that replaces the traditional steam catapults found on previous carrier classes. This system, which launches all non-VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) carrier aircraft, employs powerful electromagnetic forces to propel aircraft off the flight deck. It represents a significant departure from century-old steam technology, ushering in a new era of aircraft launching with greater precision.
The advantages of EMALS are profound. By eliminating the need to generate and store immense quantities of steam, the system frees up considerable area below-deck that was previously dedicated to steam accumulators and piping. This reclaimed space can then be utilized for other essential functions, enhancing the overall efficiency and livability of the ship. It’s a testament to how thinking differently about core processes can yield substantial benefits.
Beyond space efficiency, EMALS offers superior performance, providing a more precise and consistent launch trajectory while exerting less stress on the aircraft. This precision extends the lifespan of the aircraft by reducing wear and tear. Furthermore, the system allows for more controlled launches, accommodating a wider range of aircraft types and weights, from the heaviest fighters to lighter drones, with greater flexibility and safety.
The impact on operational tempo is equally impressive. EMALS enables the USS Gerald R. Ford to accomplish 25% more aircraft launches per day than the Nimitz class. This increased sortie generation rate is critical in high-intensity combat scenarios, allowing the carrier to project significantly more airpower. Coupled with its advanced design, EMALS also helps the ship operate with 25% fewer crew members, leading to estimated $4 billion in operating cost savings over its 50-year lifespan, despite facing initial testing challenges.
Military equipment: Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System
Categories: Aircraft carriers, Articles containing French-language text, Articles with short description, CS1: unfit URL, CS1 maint: archived copy as title
Summary: The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a type of electromagnetic catapult system developed by General Atomics for the United States Navy. The system launches carrier-based aircraft by means of a catapult employing a linear induction motor rather than the conventional steam piston, providing greater precision and faster recharge compared to steam. EMALS was first installed on the lead ship of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, c. 2015.
Its main advantage is that it accelerates aircraft more smoothly, putting less stress on their airframes. Compared to steam catapults, the EMALS also weighs less, is expected to cost less and require less maintenance, and can launch both heavier and lighter aircraft than a steam piston-driven system. It also reduces the carrier’s requirement of fresh water, thus reducing the demand for energy-intensive desalination.
Get more information about: Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System
_flight_deck.jpg)
4. **Beyond Steam: The Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG)**Complementing the revolutionary Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is another groundbreaking innovation: the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). Just as EMALS reimagines how aircraft are launched, AAG fundamentally redefines how they are brought to a safe, controlled stop on the carrier’s flight deck. This state-of-the-art system replaces the older hydraulic arresting gear, bringing a new level of precision and adaptability to carrier aviation.
The AAG utilizes an energy-absorbing system that can be precisely modulated to match the specific weight and speed of incoming aircraft. This means that whether a heavy F/A-18F Super Hornet or a lighter unmanned aerial vehicle is landing, the AAG provides a smoother, more controlled deceleration. This adaptability is a significant improvement over previous systems, which had less flexibility and could impose greater stress on aircraft structures during arrestments.
One of the key benefits of the AAG is its ability to reduce impact forces on the landing aircraft’s airframe. By providing a gentler and more consistent deceleration, the system minimizes wear and tear, potentially extending the operational life of carrier-based aircraft. This translates into lower maintenance costs and higher aircraft availability, critical factors for sustained combat operations.
Furthermore, the AAG’s advanced design contributes to improved safety margins for both pilots and flight deck crew. The precision control inherent in the system helps reduce the variability associated with landings, making the flight deck a more predictable and safer environment. This synergy with EMALS creates an integrated, highly efficient aircraft launch and recovery system that sets the USS Gerald R. Ford apart as the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world, despite early system reliability reports that prompted rigorous Navy testing for resolution.
Military equipment: Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier
ShipImage: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales meet at sea for the first time.jpg
ShipCaption: HMS
Name: Queen Elizabeth class
Builders: Aircraft Carrier Alliance
Operators: navy
ClassBefore: [object Object]
Cost: ShipCost
BuiltRange: 2009–2017
InCommissionRange: 2017–present
TotalShipsPlanned: 2
TotalShipsCompleted: 2
TotalShipsActive: 2
ShipType: Aircraft carrier
ShipDisplacement: 80600 t
ShipLength: Convert
ShipBeam: 39 m
Abbr: on Advanced Induction Motors and VDM25000 drives
ShipDraught: 11 m
ShipDecks: 16000 m2
ShipPower: Rolls-Royce plc,Marine Trent,36 MW
ShipPropulsion: ubli
ShipSpeed: convert
ShipRange: convert
ShipTroops: 250
ShipComplement: 679 crew, not including air element; total berths for up to 1,600
ShipSensors: S1850M
ShipArmament: Phalanx CIWS
ShipAircraft: Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
ShipAircraftFacilities: Aircraft ski-jump
Categories: Aircraft carrier classes, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2021
Summary: The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers of the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy consists of two vessels. The lead ship of her class, HMS Queen Elizabeth, was named on 4 July 2014 in honour of Elizabeth I and was commissioned on 7 December 2017. Her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, was launched on 21 December 2017, and was commissioned on 10 December 2019. They form the central components of the UK Carrier Strike Group.
The contract for the vessels was announced in July 2007, ending several years of delay over cost issues and British naval shipbuilding restructuring. The contracts were signed one year later on 3 July 2008, with the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnership formed with Babcock International, Thales Group, A&P Group, the UK Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems. In 2014 the UK Government announced that the second carrier would be brought into service, ending years of uncertainty surrounding its future. This was confirmed by the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, with at least one carrier being available at any time.
The vessels have a full load displacement of an estimated 80,600 tonnes (79,300 long tons; 88,800 short tons), are 284 metres (932 ft) long and are the largest warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy. The carrier air wing (CVW) will vary depending on the type and location of deployment, but will consist of 12-24 F-35Bs under in peacetime and 36 in a conflict scenario (with up to 48 in extreme cases) and Merlin helicopters to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Early Warning and utility roles. The projected cost of the programme is £6.2 billion.
The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review announced the intention to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35C “carrier variant” and to build Prince of Wales in a Catapult Assisted Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) configuration. However, in 2012, after projected costs of the CATOBAR system rose to around twice the original estimate, the government announced that it would revert to the original design deploying F-35Bs from Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configured carriers.
Get more information about: Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier
5. **Eyes in the Sky: Dual-Band Radar System**The USS Gerald R. Ford stands at the forefront of naval sensing technology, equipped with an incredibly sophisticated dual-band radar system designed to provide unparalleled situational awareness. This integrated suite consists of two primary components: the AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR), operating in the X band, and the AN/SPY-4 Volume Search Radar (VSR), which utilizes the S band. Together, these active electronically scanned array radars create a comprehensive, multi-layered view of the surrounding air and sea space.
The AN/SPY-3 MFR is a high-resolution, agile radar primarily tasked with precision tracking, target illumination, and missile guidance. Its X-band operation allows for incredibly detailed detection and classification of threats, whether they are fast-moving anti-ship missiles or smaller, stealthy targets. This capability is vital for the carrier’s self-defense and for guiding its defensive armaments with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring threats can be neutralized effectively and efficiently.
Complementing the MFR, the AN/SPY-4 VSR provides extensive long-range volume search capabilities. Its S-band frequency allows it to detect and track targets over vast distances, providing early warning against a wide array of aerial threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles. This radar acts as the carrier’s watchful eye, sweeping enormous areas of airspace to build a complete picture of the operational environment, giving the crew maximum time to react.
The integration of these two powerful radars, combined with the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk2 Baseline 10 command and control system, gives the Gerald R. Ford an advanced defensive and offensive capability unmatched by previous carrier designs. This seamless integration ensures target data is processed, analyzed, and disseminated rapidly, allowing for swift and decisive responses. The dual-band radar is truly the nervous system of this technological marvel, providing critical intelligence to operate safely and effectively.
Military equipment: Airborne early warning and control
Categories: Aircraft radars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2024
Summary: An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2). When used at altitude, the radar system on AEW&C aircraft allows the operators to detect, track and prioritize targets and identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time and from much farther away than ground-based radars. Like ground-based radars, AEW&C systems can be detected and targeted by opposing forces, but due to aircraft mobility and extended sensor range, they are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks than ground systems.
AEW&C aircraft are used for both defensive and offensive air operations, and serve air forces in the same role as what the combat information center is to naval warships, in addition to being a highly mobile and powerful radar platform. So useful and advantageous is it to have such aircraft operating at a high altitude, that some navies also operate AEW&C aircraft for their warships at sea, either coastal- or carrier-based and on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. In the case of the United States Navy, the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is assigned to its supercarriers to protect them and augment their onboard command information centers (CICs). The designation “airborne early warning” (AEW) was used for earlier similar aircraft used in the less-demanding radar picket role, such as the Fairey Gannet AEW.3 and Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, and continues to be used by the RAF for its Sentry AEW1, while AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) emphasizes the command and control capabilities that may not be present on smaller or simpler radar picket aircraft. AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is the name of the specific system installed in the American Boeing E-3 Sentry and Japanese Boeing E-767 AEW&C airframes, but is often used as a general synonym for AEW&C.
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6. **Unmatched Airpower: Aircraft Capacity and Modern Fighters**The true strength of any aircraft carrier lies in its air wing, and the USS Gerald R. Ford is designed to carry a formidable array of modern aircraft, exceeding 75 in total. This capacity ensures that the carrier can project significant airpower across vast distances, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities essential for modern naval operations. The Ford’s 1,092 ft × 256 ft (333 m × 78 m) flight deck is a bustling hub, launching and recovering a continuous stream of advanced aviation assets.
The future air wing of the Gerald R. Ford is set to be incredibly diverse and technologically advanced. It is designed to carry not only the latest generation of manned combat aircraft, such as joint strike fighters, but also a growing contingent of unmanned aircraft. This integration of both manned and unmanned systems represents a forward-looking approach to naval aviation, allowing for greater flexibility, extended reach, and reduced risk to human pilots in certain missions.
The ability to deploy “unmanned aircraft, joint strike fighters, and… lasers” makes the Ford a versatile platform capable of addressing a wide spectrum of threats and operational requirements. This adaptability ensures that the carrier remains relevant and effective in an evolving global security landscape, providing a flexible tool for deterrence and defense. The carrier’s design anticipates future advancements, ensuring its long-term strategic value.
The enhanced aircraft launching capabilities provided by EMALS, allowing for 25% more aircraft launches per day, directly contribute to the overwhelming airpower the Ford can bring to bear. This increased sortie generation rate translates into more persistent airborne surveillance, more effective strike capabilities, and a stronger defensive umbrella for the carrier strike group. It underscores the Ford’s role as a centerpiece of global power projection, a force multiplier that can shape events on land, at sea, and in the air.
Military equipment: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Name: SR-71 “Blackbird”
LongCaption: Sierra Nevada
Alt: Dryden’s SR-71B Blackbird, NASA 831, slices across the snow-covered southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California after being refueled by a USAF tanker during a 1994 flight. The SR-71B was the trainer version of the SR-71. The dual cockpit allows the instructor to fly.
Type: Military strategy,reconnaissance aircraft
NationalOrigin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation
DesignGroup: Skunk Works
Designer: Kelly Johnson (engineer)
FirstFlight: 22 December 1964
Introduction: January 1966
Retired: unbulleted list
NumberBuilt: 32
PrimaryUser: United States Air Force
MoreUsers: NASA
DevelopedFrom: Lockheed A-12
Categories: 1960s United States military reconnaissance aircraft, Aircraft first flown in 1964, Aircraft related to spaceflight, Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
Summary: The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is a retired long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company Lockheed Corporation. Its nicknames include “Blackbird” and “Habu”.
The SR-71 was developed in the 1960s as a black project by Lockheed’s Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the SR-71’s innovative concepts. Its shape was based on the Lockheed A-12, a pioneer in stealth technology with its reduced radar cross section, but the SR-71 was longer and heavier to carry more fuel and a crew of two in tandem cockpits. The SR-71 was revealed to the public in July 1964 and entered service in the United States Air Force (USAF) in January 1966.
During missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes (Mach 3.2 at 85,000 ft or 26,000 m), allowing it to evade or outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was to accelerate and outpace the missile. Equipment for the plane’s aerial reconnaissance missions included signals-intelligence sensors, side-looking airborne radar, and a camera. On average, an SR-71 could fly just once per week because of the lengthy preparations needed. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents, none to enemy action.
In 1974, the SR-71 set the record for the quickest flight between London and New York at 1 hour, 54 minutes and 56 seconds. In 1976, it became the fastest airbreathing manned aircraft, previously held by its predecessor, the closely related Lockheed YF-12. As of 2025, the Blackbird still holds all three world records.
In 1989, the USAF retired the SR-71, largely for political reasons, although several were briefly reactivated before their second retirement in 1998. NASA was the final operator of the Blackbird, using it as a research platform, until it was retired again in 1999. Since its retirement, the SR-71’s role has been taken up by a combination of reconnaissance satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As of 2018, Lockheed Martin was developing a proposed UAV successor, the SR-72, with plans to fly it in 2025.
Get more information about: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
Read more about: China’s Naval Ascendancy: A Data-Driven Examination of its World-Class Fleet’s Strengths and Strategic Vulnerabilities
7. **Defensive Might: Onboard Armament Systems**While its primary role is to project airpower, the USS Gerald R. Ford is also equipped with a robust and multi-layered defensive armament system, ensuring its ability to protect itself and its crew against a range of threats. The carrier is a high-value asset, and its self-defense capabilities are paramount, integrating cutting-edge missile and gun systems to counter various adversaries. This comprehensive defense suite provides the necessary protection for the most expensive warship ever built.
For immediate air defense against incoming missiles and aircraft, the Ford is armed with surface-to-air missiles. These include two RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) launchers and two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers. The ESSM provides highly effective defense against high-speed, anti-ship cruise missiles and aircraft, while the RAM offers a lightweight, high-firepower, cost-effective solution for engaging multiple incoming threats, including sea-skimming missiles and small boats.
In addition to its missile capabilities, the carrier boasts a formidable array of close-in weapon systems and machine guns for defense against surface threats and close-range aerial targets. These include three Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) mounts, which are rapid-fire, radar-guided Gatling guns designed to be a last line of defense against anti-ship missiles. Their incredibly high rate of fire creates a wall of projectiles to intercept inbound threats.
Further strengthening its close-range defense, the Ford carries four Mk 38 25 mm Machine Gun Systems and four M2 .50 Cal. (12.7 mm) machine guns. These provide crucial protection against asymmetric threats like fast attack craft, small boats, and boarding parties, which pose a different kind of challenge in complex maritime environments. This combination of advanced missiles and heavy machine guns ensures that the USS Gerald R. Ford is well-prepared to defend itself and its critical mission, reflecting a deep understanding of modern naval warfare threats.
Military equipment: Boeing B-29 Superfortress variants
Name: B-29 Superfortress
Caption: Maxwell Air Force Base,Alabama
Type: Strategic bomber
Manufacturer: Boeing
FirstFlight: 21 September 1942
Introduction: 8 May 1944
Retired: 21 June 1960
Status: Boeing B-29 Superfortress#Surviving aircraft
PrimaryUser: United States Army Air Forces
MoreUsers: United States Air Force,Royal Air Force
Produced: 1943–1946
NumberBuilt: 3,960
UnitCost: US$639,188
Variants: Boeing KB-29 Superfortress,XB-39 Superfortress,Boeing XB-44 Superfortress,Boeing B-50 Superfortress
DevelopedInto: Boeing 377 Stratocruiser,Tupolev Tu-4
Categories: Articles with short description, Boeing B-29 Superfortress, Lists of aircraft variants, Short description is different from Wikidata, Webarchive template wayback links
Summary: The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is a United States Army Air Forces long range, strategic heavy bomber that was produced in many experimental and production models from 1943 to 1946.
Get more information about: Boeing B-29 Superfortress variants
8. **The “Island” – A Command Center Reimagined**The USS Gerald R. Ford’s distinctive “island” is a striking feature, serving as the ship’s command superstructure. Unlike its Nimitz-class predecessors, the Ford’s island is notably shorter and stands 20 feet (6.1 m) taller. Its placement is strategically different, located 140 feet (43 m) farther aft and 3 feet (0.91 m) closer to the ship’s edge. These design modifications are crucial for optimizing flight deck operations and integrating advanced technologies.
This unique repositioning creates an expanded forward flight deck area, which significantly enhances the efficiency of aircraft movement. It also increases the potential number of launch and recovery zones, a direct improvement for sustained air operations. Within the island resides the AN/SPY-3 and AN/SPY-4 active electronically scanned array multi-function, multi-band radar—a critical component of the ship’s sensor and processing systems, providing unparalleled situational awareness to the command team.
Functioning as the ship’s central brain, the island is where vital command and control decisions are made, supported by the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) Mk2 Baseline 10. Every detail of its design, from physical location to advanced internal systems, contributes directly to the Ford’s enhanced operational capabilities. This compact yet powerful command center symbolizes the Ford’s significant leap forward in modern naval warfare, proving that thoughtful structural evolution leads to dramatic performance improvements.
Military equipment: Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)
Genre: Military science fiction,Political drama,Post-apocalyptic,Space opera
BasedOn: Based on
Developer: Ronald D. Moore
Starring: Edward James Olmos,Mary McDonnell,Katee Sackhoff,Jamie Bamber,James Callis,Tricia Helfer,Grace Park (actress),Michael Hogan (Canadian actor),Aaron Douglas (actor),Tahmoh Penikett,Paul Campbell (Canadian actor),Nicki Clyne,Michael Trucco,Alessandro Juliani,Kandyse McClure
OpenTheme: Richard Gibbs
Composer: Bear McCreary
Country: United States
Language: English
NumSeasons: 4 (+ miniseries)
NumEpisodes: 76 (+ 2 TV films)
ListEpisodes: List of Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series) episodes
ExecutiveProducer: Ronald D. Moore,David Eick
Showrunner: Ronald D. Moore
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Runtime: 44 minutes
Company: David Eick Productions,R&D TV,Universal Television,Universal Cable Productions
Network: Syfy
FirstAired: [object Object]
LastAired: [object Object]
Related: Battlestar Galactica (1978 TV series),Galactica 1980,Battlestar Galactica (miniseries),Caprica,Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome
Categories: 2000s American drama television series, 2000s American science fiction television series, 2004 American television series debuts, 2009 American television series endings, American English-language television shows
Summary: Battlestar Galactica is an American military science fiction television series, and part of the Battlestar Galactica franchise. The show was developed by Ronald D. Moore and executive produced by Moore and David Eick as a “re-imagining” of the 1978 Battlestar Galactica television series created by Glen A. Larson. The pilot for the series first aired as a three-hour miniseries in December 2003 on the Sci-Fi Channel, which was then followed by four regular seasons, ending its run on March 20, 2009. The cast includes Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, and Grace Park.
Battlestar Galactica is set in a distant star system, where a civilization of humans live on a group of planets known as the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. In the past, the Colonies had been at war with an android race of their own creation, known as the Cylons. With the unwitting help of a human scientist named Gaius Baltar (Callis), the Cylons launch a sudden sneak attack on the Colonies, laying waste to the planets and devastating their populations. Out of a population of several billion, there are about 50,000 human survivors; most were aboard civilian space ships that were not near the initial attacks. Of all the Colonial Fleet, the Battlestar Galactica (an older ship about to be decommissioned and turned into a museum) appears to be the only military capital ship that survived the attack. Under the leadership of Colonial Fleet officer Commander William “Bill” Adama (Olmos) and President Laura Roslin (McDonnell), the Galactica and its crew take up the task of leading the small fleet of refugee survivors into space in search of a fabled thirteenth colony known as Earth.
The series received critical acclaim at the time and since, including a Peabody Award, the Television Critics Association’s Program of the Year Award, a placement inside Time’s 100 Best TV Shows of All-Time and 19 Emmy nominations for its writing, directing, costume design, visual effects, sound mixing and sound editing, with three Emmy wins (visual effects and sound editing). In 2019, The New York Times placed the show on its list of “The 20 Best TV Dramas Since The Sopranos”, a period many critics call a “golden age of television”.
The series was followed by the prequel spin-off TV series Caprica, which aired for one season in 2010. A further spin-off, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, was released in November 2012 as a web series of ten 10-minute episodes and aired on February 10, 2013, on Syfy as a televised movie.
Get more information about: Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)
Read more about: The Vanguard of Safety: 15 Hybrid Models Earning Top IIHS and NHTSA Accolades for 2024-2025
9. **A Decade in the Making: The Ford’s Complex Construction Journey**The creation of the USS Gerald R. Ford was a monumental engineering feat, stretching over a decade of human dedication. Construction commenced on 11 August 2005 with a ceremonial steel cut, and the keel was officially laid on 14 November 2009. This intricate process, primarily undertaken by Huntington Ingalls (formerly Northrop Grumman) Newport News Shipbuilding, involved meticulous planning and the fabrication of massive components.
The build itself relied on assembling nearly 500 integral modular components. By August 2011, the carrier was structurally halfway complete, rapidly advancing to 75% completion by April 2012. A pivotal moment occurred on 24 May 2012 when the critical lower bow was lifted into place, signifying the vessel’s completion up to the waterline. This modular “superlift” method facilitated continuous progress towards structural integrity, culminating in the installation of the last of 162 superlifts by 7 May 2013, which finalized the ship’s primary hull.
Despite significant progress, the journey was not without its hurdles. Original delivery projections for 2015 were pushed back, with the ship christened on 9 November 2013 by Susan Ford Bales. The cost, initially estimated at $12.8 billion plus $4.7 billion in research and development, experienced a 22% increase over the 2008 budget. These challenges underscore the inherent difficulties in pioneering new naval technology, where innovation often entails unforeseen complexities and extended timelines.
By March 2018, issues with the nuclear propulsion system and munitions elevators further escalated construction costs to $13.027 billion, cementing its status as the most expensive warship ever built. Nevertheless, the unwavering commitment to its completion led to its ultimate delivery to the U.S. Navy on 31 May 2017, and formal commissioning on 22 July 2017. The Gerald R. Ford’s construction narrative is a powerful account of human ingenuity pushing the very limits of engineering achievement.
Military equipment: Ford Model T
Caption: 1925 Ford Model T Touring Car
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: October 1908 – May 1927
Assembly: collapsible list
Designer: Childe Harold Wills
Class: Economy car
BodyStyle: collapsible list
Layout: FMR layout
Engine: straight-4
Transmission: planetary gear
Wheelbase: 100.0 in
Abbr: on (1912 roadster)
Length: 134 in
Width: 1676 mm
Height: 1860 mm
Weight: convert
Predecessor: Ford Model N
Successor: Ford Model A (1927–1931)
Categories: 1900s cars, 1908 establishments in the United States, 1910s cars, 1920s cars, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Ford Model T is an automobile that was produced by the Ford Motor Company from October 1, 1908, to May 26, 1927. It is generally regarded as the first mass-affordable automobile, which made car travel available to middle-class Americans. The relatively low price was partly the result of Ford’s efficient fabrication, including assembly line production instead of individual handcrafting. The savings from mass production allowed the price to decline from $780 in 1910 (equivalent to $26,322 in 2024) to $290 in 1924 ($5,321 in 2024 dollars). It was mainly designed by three engineers, Joseph A. Galamb (the main engineer), Eugene Farkas, and Childe Harold Wills. The Model T was colloquially known as the “Tin Lizzie”.
The Ford Model T was named the most influential car of the 20th century in the 1999 Car of the Century competition, ahead of the BMC Mini, Citroën DS, and Volkswagen Beetle. Ford’s Model T was successful not only because it provided inexpensive transportation on a massive scale, but also because the car signified innovation for the rising middle class and became a powerful symbol of the United States’ age of modernization. With over 15 million sold, it was the most sold car in history before being surpassed by the Volkswagen Beetle in 1972.
Get more information about: Ford Model T
10. **From Seawater to Coffee: Daily Life and Support Systems**Beyond its imposing military functions, the USS Gerald R. Ford operates as a fully self-sufficient miniature city, capable of sustaining nearly 5,000 personnel for extended deployments. This impressive logistical independence is supported by advanced internal systems that manage everything from power generation to creating fresh potable water. A prime example of this self-reliance is the onboard water purification system, which converts seawater into the vast quantities of drinking water essential for daily life.
Machinist Mate Nuclear 1st Class Preston Moller, working on the Gerald Ford, provided insight into this vital operation. His team is responsible for the intricate fluid systems within the reactor plants, overseeing steam systems, and, crucially, generating fresh drinking water from the ocean. Moller emphasized the scope of this task: “Everything from every toilet flush, every glass of water you drink we make fresh here on board from seawater.” This vividly illustrates the deep engineering prowess that provides basic amenities on a modern aircraft carrier.
Life aboard the Ford is thoughtfully designed to offer a degree of normalcy amid the demanding operational environment. Despite the “lack of space” many sailors experience, the ship provides a surprising array of facilities for crew welfare. These amenities include a coffee shop for essential breaks, well-equipped gyms for physical fitness, and comfortable lounge areas for relaxation. General stores ensure access to personal necessities, while dedicated spaces for movies and video games offer important downtime.
The ship also caters to crew morale by creating opportunities for leisure, such as inflating a large screen in the hangar bay to watch NFL games when underway. These provisions highlight an understanding that a highly effective fighting force requires a supportive living environment. It’s a remarkable balance between the rigorous demands of military service and the provision of modern comforts, making the Ford not only a warship but a true home for its dedicated crew.
Military equipment: Pot-in-pot refrigerator
Categories: All accuracy disputes, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles with dead external links, Appropriate technology, Articles containing Arabic-language text
Summary: A pot-in-pot refrigerator, clay pot cooler or zeer (Arabic: زير) is a non-electric evaporative cooling refrigeration device. It uses a porous outer clay pot (lined with wet sand) containing an inner pot (which can be glazed to prevent penetration by the liquid) within which the food is placed. The evaporation of the outer liquid draws heat from the inner pot. The device can cool any substance, and requires only a flow of relatively dry air and a source of water.
Get more information about: Pot-in-pot refrigerator
11. **The Human Equation: Vital Roles and Crew Experiences**The USS Gerald R. Ford, with its complement of nearly 5,000 personnel, is a complex ecosystem where each individual plays an indispensable role in its vast operations. While the ship’s cutting-edge technology is undoubtedly impressive, it is the collective skill, dedication, and resilience of its crew that truly animate this technological titan. Every sailor contributes to the continuous, seamless functioning of this formidable floating fortress.
Petty Officer Preston Moller, a Machinist Mate Nuclear 1st Class, exemplifies the highly specialized expertise crucial to the Ford’s operation. His “pretty demanding job” entails “running the nuclear power plants and everything,” encompassing intricate fluid systems, steam operations, and the lubrication for the turbines and propellers. This role demands not only deep technical knowledge but also constant vigilance, showcasing the profound expertise held by the Ford’s diverse crew. Their work forms the unseen foundation that powers and propels the entire vessel.
Despite the inherent challenges of close-quarters living—Moller candidly noted, “The weirdest part about living on an aircraft carrier is coping with the lack of space you get. We don’t get very much room for our personal belongings”—the experience fosters a unique sense of community. He also highlighted the incredible diversity aboard, observing, “You can go every day and meet someone new every day.” This dynamic environment allows individuals from various backgrounds to converge, sharing a common purpose and forging strong bonds across the vastness of the ocean.
The dedication and adaptability of the crew are paramount. They tirelessly operate advanced systems, perform meticulous maintenance, and ensure the readiness of a $13 billion warship, often far from home. Their ability to thrive in such an intense, yet efficient, environment, while executing critical duties with precision and resilience, speaks volumes about the quality and training of the U.S. Navy. The human stories aboard the Gerald R. Ford are just as compelling and intricate as the technological innovations it embodies.
Military equipment: Time
Categories: All accuracy disputes, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from May 2010, Articles with disputed statements from January 2025, Articles with short description
Summary: Time is the continuous progression of existence that occurs in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, and into the future. Time dictates all forms of action, age, and causality, being a component quantity of various measurements used to sequence events, to compare the duration of events (or the intervals between them), and to quantify rates of change of quantities in material reality or in the conscious experience. Time is often referred to as a fourth dimension, along with three spatial dimensions.
Time is primarily measured in linear spans or periods, ordered from shortest to longest. Practical, human-scale measurements of time are performed using clocks and calendars, reflecting a 24-hour day collected into a 365-day year linked to the astronomical motion of the Earth. Scientific measurements of time instead vary from Planck time at the shortest to billions of years at the longest. Measurable time is believed to have effectively begun with the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, encompassed by the chronology of the universe. Modern physics understands time to be inextricable from space within the concept of spacetime described by general relativity. Time can therefore be dilated by velocity and matter to pass faster or slower for an external observer, though this is considered negligible outside of extreme conditions, namely relativistic speeds or the gravitational pulls of black holes.
Throughout history, time has been an important subject of study in religion, philosophy, and science. Temporal measurement has occupied scientists and technologists, and has been a prime motivation in navigation and astronomy. Time is also of significant social importance, having economic value (“time is money”) as well as personal value, due to an awareness of the limited time in each day (“carpe diem”) and in human life spans.
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12. **Forging Readiness: Rigorous Testing and Evolution**The USS Gerald R. Ford’s journey to operational readiness was defined by exhaustive testing and continuous refinement. Given its revolutionary technologies like EMALS, AAG, and the dual-band radar, stringent evaluations were critical. Early reports, such as the January 2014 Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) assessment, indicated that critical systems required more testing and improvements. This prompted the Navy to implement a rigorous program to resolve performance issues before full installation.
These were not minor issues; significant problems with the main turbine generators were identified in June 2016, necessitating design changes that were later verified during acceptance trials in May 2017. Similarly, while EMALS promised a 25% increase in aircraft launches, it initially fell short of its target, achieving only 181 launches between operational mission failures compared to the desired 4,166, as reported in early 2021. Such findings fueled concerns regarding the ship’s combat readiness and the substantial investment.
Perhaps the most dramatic phase of its evaluation involved the Full-Ship Shock Trials (FSSTs). On 18 June 2021, the Gerald R. Ford completed its first FSST, 87 nautical miles off Ponce Inlet, Florida. This involved the detonation of 40,000 pounds (18 t) of TNT underwater, an event so powerful the USGS recorded it as a 3.9 magnitude earthquake. Subsequent tests in July and August involved detonations closer to the hull, systematically assessing its resilience under simulated battle conditions.
These shock trials were vital for validating the carrier’s structural integrity and its ability to withstand extreme forces. Despite previous delays and cost increases, the Navy remained committed to resolving every challenge. By September 2022, Rear Adm. James Downey confirmed the ship was “fully delivered” and had “met her initial operating capability.” This achievement stands as a testament to the persistent engineering and operational testing that transformed a technological blueprint into a robust, combat-ready warship.
Military equipment: Human rights violations against Palestinians by Israel
Categories: All articles with dead external links, Anti-Palestinian sentiment in Israel, Articles containing Arabic-language text, Articles with dead external links from January 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links
Summary: According to the United States Department of State and international, Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations, there have been credible reports of human rights violations committed against Palestinians by Israel, some amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Reports of human rights violations against Palestinians by Israel include reports of illegal or random killings, random or unwarranted detention (both of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories) restrictions on Palestinians residing in Jerusalem including random or illegal interference with privacy, family, and home, considerable interference with the freedom of peaceful assembly and association, limiting and occasionally restricting access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, random or illegal interference with privacy, punishment of family members for alleged offenses by a relative, restrictions on freedom of expression and media including censorship, illegal routine harassment of nongovernmental organizations, unlawful exercise of physical force or intimidation and threats of violence against Palestinians, targeted killings of Palestinians, and labor rights abuses against Palestinian workers. In addition, human rights organizations have described the state of Israel as an apartheid regime.
Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip has been described as a form of collective punishment and a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Israel’s military campaigns in the Gaza Strip include Operation Cast Lead which was described by the UN Fact Finding Mission as a “a deliberately disproportionate attack designed to punish, humiliate and terrorize a civilian population, radically diminish its local economic capacity both to work and to provide for itself, and to force upon it an ever increasing sense of dependency and vulnerability.”
Israel has also long been accused of illegally harvesting organs of Palestinians. The first evidence of illegal organ harvesting of Palestinians dates back to the early 1990s. Israel has admitted that Israeli pathologists harvested organs from dead Palestinians without the consent of their families, and the first Israeli heart transplant was in fact a stolen Palestinian’s organ. Some Israeli physicians have spoken against illegal organ harvesting of Palestinians that is performed without family approval.
Get more information about: Human rights violations against Palestinians by Israel
13. **Global Presence: Operational Deployments and Strategic Reach**Following its rigorous testing and system validation, the USS Gerald R. Ford embarked on its first full-length deployment, effectively showcasing its vast global operational reach. Departing Naval Station Norfolk on 3 May 2023, the carrier was slated for operations within the 2nd and 6th Fleet’s Area of Responsibility, immediately demonstrating its capacity to project power and collaborate with international partners across immense distances.
Its inaugural deployment quickly integrated the carrier into crucial NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and interoperability. In May 2023, the ship arrived outside Oslo, Norway, for exercises, even hosting Crown Prince Haakon. This was followed by drills towards the Arctic Ocean. Subsequent visits included Split, Croatia, in June for crew rest, and naval exercises with the Italian navy in the Ionian Sea in early October, solidifying its role in bolstering regional security and collective defense.
However, the Ford’s deployment assumed an even more critical dimension after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, promptly directed the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean “to bolster regional deterrence efforts.” This swift, decisive action underscored the carrier’s capability as a flexible and immediate response asset, vital for stabilizing volatile regions and deterring further aggression.
The deployment was extended beyond its initial timeframe, with the Ford and its accompanying warships—including the cruiser Normandy and destroyers Ramage, Carney, Roosevelt, and Thomas Hudner—remaining on station. Some escort ships proceeded into the Red Sea, where they successfully intercepted missiles and drones launched from Yemen, directly contributing to maritime security. After an extraordinary 239 days away from Norfolk, logging over 10,396 sorties and sailing more than 83,476 nautical miles, the Gerald R. Ford returned home on 17 January 2024, having unequivocally proven its indispensable role in global defense.
Military equipment: United States Air Force
UnitName: United States Air Force
StartDate: [object Object]
Country: Flag
Type: Air force
Role: Aerial warfare
Size: Civil Air Patrol,approx. 5,500 combat aircraft,approx. 400 ICBMs
CommandStructure: United States Armed Forces,Department of the Air Force
Garrison: The Pentagon,Arlington County, Virginia
GarrisonLabel: Headquarters
Motto: “Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win”
Colors: Gold (color)#Yellow,color box
ColorsLabel: Colors
March: The U.S. Air Force (song)
Anniversaries: 18 September
Battles: collapsible list
Titlestyle: background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal;
Title: See list
Equipment: List of equipment of the United States Air Force
Website: {{URL,www.af.mil,af.mil
Commander1: Flagicon image,President of the United States,Donald Trump
Commander1Label: Powers of the president of the United States#Commander-in-chief
Commander2: Flagicon image,Pete Hegseth
Commander2Label: United States Secretary of Defense
Commander3: Flagicon image,Troy Meink
Commander3Label: United States Secretary of the Air Force
Commander4: Flagicon image,General (United States),David W. Allvin
Commander4Label: Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Commander5: Flagicon image,Scott L. Pleus
Commander5Label: Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Commander6: Flagicon image,Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,David A. Flosi
Commander6Label: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
IdentificationSymbol: File:Flag of the United States Air Force.svg
IdentificationSymbolLabel: Flag of the United States Air Force
IdentificationSymbol3: File:Roundel of the USAF.svg
IdentificationSymbol3Label: United States military aircraft national insignia
IdentificationSymbol4: File:US Army Air Corps Hap Arnold Wings.svg
IdentificationSymbol4Label: United_States_Air_Force_Symbol#Hap_Arnold_Wings
AircraftAttack: A-10 Thunderbolt II,Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano,Lockheed AC-130,General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper,Air Tractor-L3Harris AT-802U Sky Warden
AircraftBomber: B-1 Lancer,Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit,B-52 Stratofortress
AircraftElectronic: Boeing E-3 Sentry,Boeing E-4,De Havilland Canada Dash 8#Variants,Bombardier Global Express#Variants,L3Harris EA-37B Compass Call,Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call,Lockheed EC-130#Variants
AircraftFighter: McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle,F-15E Strike Eagle,Boeing F-15EX Eagle II,General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon,Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor,F-35 Lightning II
AircraftHelicopter: HH-60 Pave Hawk,MH-139 Grey Wolf,UH-1N Twin Huey
AircraftRecon: MC-12 Liberty,Boeing RC-135,RQ-4 Global Hawk,AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven,Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel,RQ-180,RQ-20 Puma,Lockheed U-2,Pilatus U-28 Draco,Lockheed WC-130,Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix
AircraftTrainer: T-1A Jayhawk,T-6 Texan II,T-38 Talon,Cessna T-41 Mescalero,Cessna 150,Cirrus SR20,Boeing RC-135#TC-135,Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus,Schempp-Hirth Discus-2,DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000,Bell UH-1 Iroquois#Variant overview,Lockheed U-2#Variants
AircraftTransport: C-5 Galaxy,C-12 Huron,C-17 Globemaster III,CASA/IPTN CN-235,Learjet 35A,Boeing C-32,Gulfstream V,Gulfstream G550,C-40 Clipper,Lockheed C-130 Hercules,Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules,Lockheed HC-130,Lockheed LC-130,Lockheed MC-130,Dornier 328#Variants,VC-25,V-22 Osprey
AircraftTanker: KC-46 Pegasus,KC-135 Stratotanker,Lockheed HC-130,Lockheed MC-130
AircraftGeneral: General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Categories: 1947 establishments in the United States, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles needing additional references, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its origins to 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established by transfer of personnel from the Army Air Forces with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947. It is the second youngest branch of the United States Armed Forces and the fourth in order of precedence. The United States Air Force articulates its core missions as air supremacy, global integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, rapid global mobility, global strike, and command and control.
The Department of the Air Force, which serves as the USAF’s headquarters and executive department, is one of the three military departments of the Department of Defense. The Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian secretary of the Air Force, who reports to the secretary of defense and is appointed by the president with Senate confirmation. The highest-ranking military officer in the Air Force is the chief of staff of the Air Force, who exercises supervision over Air Force units and serves as one of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As directed by the secretary of defense and secretary of the Air Force, certain Air Force components are assigned to unified combatant commands. Combatant commanders are delegated operational authority of the forces assigned to them, while the secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force retain administrative authority over their members.
Along with conducting independent air operations, the United States Air Force provides air support for land and naval forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field. As of 2020, the service operates approximately 5,500 military aircraft and approximately 400 ICBMs. The world’s largest air force, it has a $179.7 billion budget and is the second largest service branch of the U.S. Department of Defense, with 321,848 active duty airmen, 147,879 civilian personnel, 68,927 reserve airmen, 105,104 Air National Guard airmen, and approximately 65,000 Civil Air Patrol auxiliaries.
Get more information about: United States Air Force
14. **The Future of Naval Power: Legacy and Impact**The USS Gerald R. Ford transcends its designation as merely the world’s largest aircraft carrier; it stands as a profound declaration about the future trajectory of naval power and a pinnacle of human ingenuity. This magnificent warship inaugurates a new epoch in maritime warfare, seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, optimized operational designs, and a highly dedicated crew to redefine what is achievable at sea. Its enduring legacy will stem not solely from its immense scale, but from its revolutionary innovation and its strategic influence on global security.
The Ford class signifies a monumental leap in capability, from its groundbreaking EMALS and AAG—which dramatically enhance air wing efficiency—to its dual-band radar, providing unparalleled situational awareness, and its nuclear propulsion, ensuring unmatched endurance. These innovations empower the Ford to project formidable airpower, respond swiftly to global crises, and operate with superior efficiency and a reduced crew, ultimately saving billions in operational costs over its impressive lifespan. It is truly a multi-domain platform, capable of deploying “unmanned aircraft, joint strike fighters, and… lasers,” as recognized by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, ensuring its continued relevance in an evolving threat landscape.
Crucially, amidst all this technological grandeur, the human element remains at the heart of the Ford’s operation. The thousands of sailors who proudly call this vessel home, meticulously operating its intricate systems, diligently maintaining its readiness, and living within its advanced environment, are its true driving force. Their compelling stories of dedication, adaptability, and unwavering camaraderie are intricately woven into the ship’s advanced engineering, creating a powerful testament to collective human endeavor. The exhaustive testing, including the harrowing full-ship shock trials, further underscores the profound commitment to ensuring this engineering marvel is both robust and battle-ready.
Military equipment: History of nuclear power
Categories: All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, All pages needing cleanup, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2015, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2019
Summary: This is a history of nuclear power as realized through the first artificial fission of atoms that would lead to the Manhattan Project and, eventually, to using nuclear fission to generate electricity.
Get more information about: History of nuclear power
Read more about: From Giants of the Sea to Legends of the Skies: The Unfolding Saga of US Navy Aircraft Carriers
As the undeniable flagship of the 21st century, the USS Gerald R. Ford stands as an iconic symbol of technological progress and paramount strategic importance. It boldly challenges conventional boundaries in naval architecture and operational capability, securing its place not only in history but as a dynamic, forward-looking asset in the intricate framework of global defense. It embodies an inspiring fusion of colossal scale, pioneering technology, and the indomitable spirit of the men and women who serve aboard, cementing its status as a true marvel of our modern era.
