USS Gerald R. Ford Weapons Elevator Certifications Will Extend Past OctoberBy: Ben Werner and Sam LaGrone
May 29, 2019 3:45 PM
https://news.usni.org/2019/05/29/uss-gerald-r-ford-weapons-elevator-certifications-will-extend-past-octoberThe aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is maneuvered by tugboats in the James River during a turn ship evolution on March 17, 2019 Gerald R. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. US Navy photo.
When USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) leaves Newport News Shipbuilding in mid-October, only some of its Advanced Weapons Elevators will be usable as the Navy continues to struggle in making the ship deployable, Navy acquisition chief James Geurts said Wednesday.
The Ford will deliver back to the Navy with an unspecified number of the Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWEs) operational when it leaves its post-shakedown availability (PSA). The Navy is also working to correct a propulsion problem discovered during sea trials, which a year ago caused Ford to return to port ahead of its scheduled PSA.
“We are working right now with the fleet on what elevators do we need to have complete so they can exercise all the function in October, and for any of that work that isn’t done, how we’re going to feather that work in over time,” Geurts said during a media briefing Wednesday.
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