The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on October 4 on its first deployment. The lead ship of the new Ford-class aircraft carriers, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) brings numerous technical innovations, including an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. Here’s a look at the departure of Ford and flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this year.

U.S. Navy aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing CVW-8 sit on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), under way in the Atlantic Ocean, April 13, 2022.

Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Riley McDowell/US Navy