The primary-in-class plane service USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and embarked crew arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the ship’s first worldwide port go to, Oct. 28, 2022. Ford deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 4, on its first deployment and has been conducting multinational maritime workouts and operations within the Atlantic Ocean with NATO Allies Canada, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands, and Germany. This port go to marks the primary plane service to go to Halifax in 5 years, and signifies a deeper connection between Ford and Halifax, as Norfolk’s sister metropolis. The go to allowed a lot of Ford’s junior Sailors not solely their first worldwide port expertise, but additionally their first publicity to Canadian tradition.
“I’m actually excited that this metropolis is my first worldwide go to since I’ve been serving within the Navy. I’m actually trying ahead to visiting the Citadel for its historical past and, if attainable, additionally assembly my overseas Naval counterparts,” stated Inside Communications Electrician third Class Ky Keys, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, assigned to Ford’s fight methods division.
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“We’ve got been working alongside our Allies and companions on the excessive seas, coaching our interoperability and interchangeability. Visiting Halifax offers us an opportunity to construct even stronger relationships with our teammates, strengthening our partnership, and permits our Sailors to discover the wealthy tradition and welcoming folks of Canada,” stated Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, commanding officer of the united statesGerald R. Ford.
“Group relations initiatives provide Sailors a possibility to function good ambassadors within the communities through which they work and dwell, whereas advancing the satisfaction, private values, self-worth and morale of all concerned. Abroad group relations initiatives carry out the important process of selling worldwide friendship and belief, and in flip, play a significant function in enabling the Navy to hold out its mission of associate constructing and strengthening ties with maritime Allies,” stated Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, Ford’s command chaplain.
This go to will construct relations between the U.S. and Canada via a mess of scheduled occasions and excursions throughout the Halifax group. Whereas additionally in port, a reception is scheduled to host Halifax group leaders, Royal Canadian Navy Sailors and overseas dignitaries aboard Ford, strengthening the relationships between U.S. Allies and companions. Ford’s Command Non secular Ministries Division is presenting varied alternatives for Sailors to volunteer at native Halifax organizations similar to a thrift retailer, meals financial institution and Habitat for Humanity, whereas members of Ford’s Second Class Petty Officer Affiliation are scheduled to volunteer at an area animal shelter. After this port go to, the Gerald R. Ford Provider Strike Group will proceed its deployment within the Atlantic Ocean, conducting coaching and operations alongside NATO Allies and companions to reinforce integration for future operations and show the U.S. Navy’s dedication to a peaceable, secure and conflict-free Atlantic area.
