June 27, 2023 – The most advanced and newest American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, sailed into Split yesterday. According to its commander, this is proof of America’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
“Our arrival demonstrates our determination and commitment to maintaining peace, prosperity and stability in the region,” said USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Burgess, as reported by Jutarnji.
Late on Sunday, the newest American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived in Split. It carries 4,600 people in its womb, 20 percent of whom are women.
Commander Burgess said that there are 20 percent women on board “which is extraordinary”.
“Ten years ago, the numbers were lower. About one out of every five hard-working sailors is a woman,” he added.
This is their first time in Split and he says that they can’t wait to experience Croatian culture and try the food. Moreover, they find Split to be different from any other city they see on their missions.
Rear admiral and commander of Strike Group 12, Eric Eslich said that they were previously in the north near Norway. He adds that their average age on the flight deck is 20.
Karla Carrasco, who has been in the US Navy for four years, is on board as well.
Before coming to Split, she researched the city. She finds it beautiful, given that she has never seen anything like it in the US.
“I’m excited because I’m going to explore the city. I’m going to the beach, and I’d like to explore Diocletian’s Palace. I’d especially like to try the local food,” Carrasco said.
Christopher Reskovich from West Virginia is of Croatian origin. He is 20 years old and has an interesting story of how he became a soldier.
As he told the media, “he didn’t know what to do exactly, so he decided that joining the army was a good way to figure it out and so far he has been doing well”.
About Uss Gerald R. Ford
The ship left for Europe in October last year and sailed into the Mediterranean a few days ago. It was named after the 38th American president, Gerald R. Ford.
It is the third American ship that has sailed into Split’s port in the last 18 months.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, introducing 23 new technologies. It is the first new carrier designed in 40-plus years to work with future generations of aircraft.
The keel was laid in November 2009, and the baptism took place on November 9, 2013.
Two nuclear reactors with four shafts power it.
It’s length is 332.84 meters, it is 40.84 meters wide, while its flight deck is 78.03 meters wide.
It can reach a speed of more than 30 knots.
It carries the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Rolling Airframe Missile, Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) with 75 aircraft.
With the most advanced dual-band radar, it can sail for 20 years without refueling. It is worth a total of 13 billion dollars.
