USS Gerald R. Ford: a historic visit to Norway, strengthening transatlantic ties.

According to information published by the US DoD on May 30, 2023, U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a scheduled port visit.
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US Navy's aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. (Picture source: Norwegian MoD)

This visit, the first by a U.S. aircraft carrier to Norway in over six decades, is aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Norway partnership. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, during his tour of the ship, emphasized the importance of the visit as a demonstration of the security guarantees through NATO, particularly Norway's close ties with the United States.

Before the carrier's arrival, His Norwegian Majesty’s Ship (HNoMS) Roald Amundsen (F311) joined the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group (GRFCSG) as the Surface Warfare Commander, enhancing combined operational experience and showcasing the interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy.

The Royal Norwegian Navy frequently collaborates with U.S. Carrier Strike Groups. For instance, between late 2021 and 2022, HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F310) undertook a joint deployment with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security in the NAVEUR area.

During the visit to Oslo, the USS Gerald R. Ford will host local dignitaries and key leaders at a reception celebrating the U.S.-Norway relationship. Meanwhile, the sailors will engage with the community and explore significant cultural and historical sites in the city.

Deploying from Norfolk, Virginia on May 2, the Gerald R. Ford CSG has been participating in joint and combined training, exercises, and operations aimed at mitigating maritime security threats due to increased activity in the high north. The carrier group has also sailed alongside NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group One to enhance interoperability among NATO allies.

The USS Gerald R. Ford stands as the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. This first-in-class ship introduces 23 innovative technologies, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Advanced Arresting Gear, and Advanced Weapons Elevators.

These enhancements enable the ship to deliver superior firepower, resilience, and joint interoperability with a crew 20% smaller than a Nimitz-class carrier, setting a new standard for naval aviation.