Ford deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 4, on its first deployment and has been conducting multinational maritime workout routines and operations within the Atlantic Ocean with NATO Allies Canada, Spain, Denmark, Netherlands, and Germany.
“We’ve been working alongside our Allies and companions on the excessive seas, coaching our interoperability and interchangeability,” mentioned Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, commanding officer of the united statesGerald R. Ford. “Visiting Halifax provides 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 individuals of Canada.”
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 lots of Ford’s junior Sailors not solely their first worldwide port expertise, but in addition 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,” mentioned Inside Communications Electrician third Class Ky Keys, from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, assigned to Ford’s fight methods division. “I’m actually wanting ahead to visiting the Citadel for its historical past and, if doable, additionally assembly my overseas Naval counterparts.”
This go to will construct relations between the U.S. and Canada by means of a mess of scheduled occasions and excursions throughout the Halifax neighborhood. Whereas additionally in port, a reception is scheduled to host Halifax neighborhood 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 numerous alternatives for Sailors to volunteer at native Halifax organizations equivalent 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 a neighborhood animal shelter.
“Group relations initiatives supply Sailors a chance to function good ambassadors within the communities by which they work and dwell, whereas advancing the pleasure, private values, self-worth and morale of all concerned,” mentioned Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, Ford’s command chaplain. “Abroad neighborhood relations initiatives carry out the important process of selling worldwide friendship and belief, and in flip, play an important function in enabling the Navy to hold out its mission of companion constructing and strengthening ties with maritime Allies.”
After this port go to, the Gerald R. Ford Service Strike Group will proceed its deployment within the Atlantic Ocean, conducting coaching and operations alongside NATO Allies and companions to boost integration for future operations and exhibit the U.S. Navy’s dedication to a peaceable, steady and conflict-free Atlantic area.
For extra details about the united statesGerald R. Ford (CVN 78), go to https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and observe alongside on Fb: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @Warship_78 and DVIDS: www.dvids.internet/CVN78 https://www.dvidshub.internet/unit/cvn78
