NORFOLK, Va. - The Navy says the USS Gerald R. Ford has successfully passed important Aircraft Compatibility Testing.
News 3 was invited to witness the testing firsthand on the first-in-class Ford off the coast last month. During 16 days at sea, the crew launched and recovered 211 aircraft. T-45 Goshawks, F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes and C-2A Greyhounds were all tested.
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), both unique to the Ford, were tested at-sea during ACT.
"By supporting the five aircraft that came to Ford to validate launch and recovery wind and weight envelopes, our Sailors are fully aware of the importance of this historic event. This was it—the book will be written and our crew’s name will be stamped on it," said Captain J.J. Cummings, Commanding Officer of the Ford, in a Navy statement.
The crew of the Ford will now turn to Flight Deck Certification, which is scheduled for March.
