I-564 lane closures I-564 East July 31–Aug. 4, 5 a.m.– 2:30 p.m., Right lane/right shoulder July 31–Aug. 2, 8 p.m.–5 a.m., Double right lanes/right shoulder Aug. 3–Aug. 4, 8 p.m.–5 a.m., Double left lanes/left shoulder
More than 20 years of
serving the Hampton Roads Navy family
I-564 West July 31–Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m.– 6 p.m., Right lane/right shoulder July 31–Aug. 2, 6 p.m.–3 a.m., Double right lanes/right shoulder Aug. 3–Aug. 4, 6 p.m.–3 a.m., Double left lanes/left shoulder
Vo l . 2 5 , N o . 30 N o r f o l k , VA | f l ag sh ip ne ws .c om | 07. 2 7. 1 7- 0 8 . 0 2 . 1 7
MC2 Andrew J Sneeringer MV-22 Ospreys assigned to the U.S. Presidential Helicopter Squadron land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.
PRESIDENT TRUMP COMMISSIONS USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) By Ensign Corey Todd Jones John Richardson, and USS who USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs NORFOLK
President Donald J. Trump commissioned the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at a commissioning ceremony July 22. A commissioning is a day of celebration, and honors the dedication, team work, and collaboration of Sailors, legislators, shipbuilders, program managers, and the ship’s sponsor in delivering the ship to the fleet. Trump landed on the flight deck in Marine One and was greeted by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, Chief of Naval Operations Adm.
Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick McCormack. Over 10,000 friends and family members attended the event, watching the festivities from the hangar bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Distinguished members of the party offered remarks to honor the occasion. “Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our allies will rest easy and our enemies will shake with fear because everyone will know that America is coming and America is coming strong,” Trump said. “Our true strength is our people. Our greatest weapon is all of you. Our nation endures because we have citizens
love America and who are willing to fight for America.” He continued, “We are so very blessed with warriors who are willing to serve America in the greatest fighting force in history, the United States military. Today this ship officially begins its role in the noble military history of our great nation.” Stackley also addressed the crowd. “So skipper, as we marvel at the technology and the daunting numbers that measure this ship, never lose sight that in times of crisis, you will be the first to respond, and when called upon, you will deliver the » See FORD | A7
MC3 Krista A. DaCosta The crowd observes the commissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Ford is the lead ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers, and the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in 40 years.
NORFOLK
The guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) returned to her homeport of Norfolk, Va., July 20, following a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) as part of » See LABOON | A7 MC3 Julio Martinez Martinez Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during its commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Ford is the lead ship of the Ford-class aircraft carriers, and the first new U.S. aircraft carrier designed in 40 years.
By Ensign Corey T. Jones USS Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs NORFOLK
Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) MC3 Matthew Fairchild ship sponsor, addressed Susan Ford Bales, the sponsor for future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN members of the media on78), and Greg Willard, trustee of the Ford Foundation, tour the board the aircraft carrier newly finished ship’s memorial room for the first time. Wednesday, July 19.
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By Ensign William Bradley Bostick USS Laboon Public Affairs
Ship’s sponsor addresses media onboard CVN 78
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USS Laboon returns to homeport
Bales sat in her father’s presidential chair at the desk of the ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Richard McCormack, in his in-port cabin, where she met with reporters to discuss the carrier’s upcoming commissioning Saturday. During the media availability, Bales discussed the
SHIP-TO-SHIP TEXTING Navy researchers combine old and new technology to help ships communicate.
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legacy of her father and the significance of being the ship’s sponsor. “My dad was a very humble man and he was astounded and excited when he found out that this carrier was going to be named after him,” Bales said. “Honor your country
Truman completes PIA, departs for sea trials From USS Harry S. Truman and Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, VA.
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for Sea Trials July 21 following a 10-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Truman’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Ryan B. Scholl,
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TALISMAN SABER BEGINS Bonhomme Richard Group leaves Australian ports to join exercise.
SMALL FARM, BIG YIELD Navy spouse’s urban Virginia Beach farm supplies two markets.
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