The colossal USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is set to anchor off Stokes Bay in Gosport next week, sparking excitement along the Solent. Expect a 150-metre exclusion zone around the giant vessel during her visit from Monday, November 14th to Friday, November 18th.
Best Spots to Catch the Giant Vessel
If you want a prime view of the monster ship, head to the end of 1 Pier or stroll along the Esplanade. The spectacle will be especially striking as she cruises past the Nab Tower up the Solent.
The Story Behind the USS Gerald R Ford
- Construction kicked off in 2005.
- Keel laid down in 2009.
- Joined the fleet in 2012.
- Delivered to the US Navy in 2017 — just in time for President Donald Trump’s official commissioning.
Seventeen Years in the Making
Despite its age, the USS Gerald R Ford is only now embarking on her maiden voyage, leaving the US on October 4th. She made her first overseas stop in Nova Scotia on October 28th before heading to the UK.
Named after America’s 38th President, this Ford-class carrier looks like its Nimitz-class predecessors but packs cutting-edge tech. It boasts a next-gen nuclear plant that produces nearly triple the power and innovative launch and arresting systems on the flight deck.
Stay tuned for exact arrival and departure times as the visit draws closer. This is a rare chance to witness one of the world’s most advanced carriers up close!
