World’s Largest Aircraft Carrier, USS Gerald R.Ford To Power US Navy’s Norfolk Base

The largest aircraft carrier in the world, the USS Gerald R. Ford, would be used to generate electricity at a naval base in Norfolk, according to sources.

The proposition was discussed in a meeting of the Armed Services Committee in May while the naval budget for 2027 was being discussed.

The Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that the Norfolk naval station in Virginia would be powered by an aircraft carrier when the topic of nuclear power generation came up. The trials for this capability would be carried out by the end of 2026, a Navy official said.

The official said in a statement to a local media outlet that U.S Navy is planning a strategy to make sure that stable electrical power can be transferred from the aircraft carrier to the naval base.

This is important to meet critical requirements during a mission when other sources of supply fall short.

Though the Secretary did not name Ford, it is the only carrier of its class in active service since the second one; the USS John F. Kennedy will be delivered next year.

The benefits of this project are many, Cao said in the meeting, highlighting both civilian and military uses, especially during emrgencies due to natural disaster or conflicts.

In such cases, it could help fix military bases or provide fresh water to places suffering from drought.

Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle suggested launching a nuclear reactor pilot program modelled after Army and Air Force initiatives.

He emphasised that while the Army might take the lead, the Navy’s deep background in reactor physics, operational safety, and naval reactors makes its involvement important.

Caudle also said that a target date should be decided to get the project underway as soon as possible.

The Ford-class aircraft carriers are replacing the old Nimitz class. Even the reactors onboard the vessels are being changed from A1B to A4W to meet future requirements.

This is being done to increase the efficiency and output. Fewer personnel will be needed to maintain and operate the aircraft carrier.