USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) – the first-of-its-class aircraft carrier built at Newport News Shipbuilding – is set to begin its first operational deployment. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was scheduled to depart Naval Station Norfolk Monday, Oct. 3. However, the U.S. Navy postponed the departure due to weather conditions.

Ford will operate in the Atlantic Ocean, and the deployment will include air, maritime and ground assets from NATO allies and partner nations.