USS Gerald R. Ford Joins Allies for Exercise Silent Wolverine

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in the Atlantic Ocean in formation with the German frigate FGS Hessen, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy, Danish frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes, Canadian frigate HMCS Montreal, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, Spanish Armada frigate Álvaro de Bazán, Dutch frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, French frigate FS Chevalier Paul, Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul, Nov. 7. *U.S. NAVY / Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Mattingly*

ATLANTIC OCEAN — USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, joined six NATO allies for exercise Silent Wolverine in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean on Nov. 8, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Public Affairs said Nov. 9.

Silent Wolverine tests the first-in-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios alongside participating NATO allies. Exercise participants include Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States.

“The challenges of tomorrow are upon us — in the here and now. Silent Wolverine demonstrates our commitment to deepening interoperability with our allies and partners, while testing the advanced, cutting-edge warfighting capabilities of the Ford-class aircraft carrier in a highly relevant operational environment,” said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

Gerald R. Ford is a first-in-class U.S. aircraft carrier that incorporates 23 new technologies comprised of significant advances in propulsion, power generation, ordnance handling and aircraft launch systems. The Ford-class aircraft carrier generates an increased aircraft launch and recovery capability with a 20 percent smaller crew than Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

“We are honored to be sailing alongside some of the most capable navies in the world during our first deployment as we increase our proficiencies and demonstrate the warfighting capabilities that Ford brings to the fight,” said Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12.

The Gerald R. Ford CSG consists of the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). The Gerald R. Ford CSG is conducting their first deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility to exercise with allies.