The world’s largest aircraft carrier has arrived in Europe in a show of strength and unity as part of a high-profile US Navy visit, with global tensions rising over Russia’s war with Ukraine.
On August 4, the USS Gerald R Ford CVN 78 docked in Marseille alongside guided-missile destroyer, USS Winston S Churchill DDG 81. Both vessels are part of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, currently deployed in the US 6th Fleet area of operations to bolster readiness of US Navy forces in Europe-Africa.
Prior to their arrival in France, the strike group operated in the Atlantic Ocean transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, collaborating with the Spanish Navy’s Canarias (F86) and Italy’s ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598). While docked, personnel from both ships will spend their time touring French cities including Paris and Monaco, as well as host official engagements aboard the Gerald R Ford.
In a statement, US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, said: “The visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford to Marseille is symbolic of the Franco-American alliance. This ship embodies America’s excellence in the defence industry and the 4,500 dedicated service members aboard embody the Administration’s commitment to peace through strength.”
Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta, the commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, explained how the port call comes not long after a series of demanding operations across the Mediterranean: “After a fast-paced and successful Neptune Strike activity we are so thankful for the warm welcome from France, our oldest naval ally.”
The USS Gerald R. Ford currently leads Carrier Strike Group Twelve on deployment, accompanied by Carrier Air Wing Eight and Destroyer Squadron Two, which includes the USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS Mahan (DDG 72), and USS Winston S. Churchill. For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa has upheld strategic partnerships across the region, reinforcing freedom of navigation and promoting regional stability through consistent maritime presence.
Named in honour of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, the carrier pays tribute to his wartime service in the Pacific during the Second World War, where he saw combat aboard the light aircraft carrier Monterey. Construction of the ship officially began on 11 August 2005.