World Largest Aircraft Carrier "USS Gerald R. Ford" Arrives in Greece

Defense News ,Greece :- The U.S. Navy cutting-edge aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), along with personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, arrived at Souda Bay, Crete, for a planned port visit on December 26, 2023. This visit follows the recent presence of the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense on the USS Gerald R. Ford, where the Secretary emphasized the significance of GRFCSGs role in the Eastern Mediterranean and its contribution to regional deterrence.

Captain Rick Burgess, Commanding Officer of Gerald R. Ford, expressed the sailors excitement about returning to Crete, highlighting the enduring NATO alliance between Greece and the United States since 1952. He emphasized the value of strengthening maritime partnerships and appreciated the rich history, food, and culture the region has to offer.

This marks the seventh port visit for the USS Gerald R. Ford during its deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) area of operations. The U.S. Navy has maintained regular operations with Greece, with the aircraft carrier having visited Souda Bay twice after a stop in Piraeus in July.

Having deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, on May 2, the USS Gerald R. Ford has been engaged in training, exercises, and operations aimed at supporting maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., Allied, and partner interests. As the U.S. Navy newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in global power projection, introducing 23 new technologies, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Advanced Arresting Gear, and Advanced Weapons Elevators.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is currently on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations. With more than 6,000 Sailors across various platforms, the GRFCSG demonstrates the Navy commitment and power projection capability, ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. The strike group comprises Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet continuous presence in Europe reaffirms its commitment to collective defense, providing reassurance to Allies and Partners in accordance with international commitments and agreements.