On January 16, 2007 the selection of Gerald R. Ford as the name of the first aircraft carrier in what will be the Gerald R. Ford class of super carriers by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, joined by President Ford's four children and Vice President of the United State Dick Cheney.

Secretary Winter announced the selection of “USS Gerald R. Ford” as the name of CVN 78, the first Aircraft Carrier in what will be the “Gerald R. Ford” class of carriers.

This selection honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation.

“President Gerald R. Ford provided the United States great leadership at a time of constitutional crisis,” said Secretary Winter. “I am honored to have the opportunity to name the first ship in the new class of aircraft carriers after this great sailor, leader, and man.”

During World War II, President Ford attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, and served on the light carrier USS Monterey. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids, where he began the practice of law, and entered political life.

USS Gerald R. Ford will be the premier forward asset for crisis response and early decisive striking power in a major combat operation. The Carrier and the Carrier Strike Group will provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and multi-mission capability.

USS Gerald R. Ford and subsequent Ford Class Carriers will provide improved war fighting capability, quality of life improvements for sailors and reduced acquisition and life cycle costs.

Content for this article provided by the United States Department of Defense. To learn more about CVN 78 and the U.S. Navy, please visit: www.navy.mil