U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet
May 24, 2023

First U.S. Aircraft Carrier to Visit Norway in 65 Years

U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a scheduled port visit, May 24.This port visit is the capital ship’s first stop while deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) area of operations and provides an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Norway partnership, marking the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited Norway in 65 years.

During his visit to the ship Monday, Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said, “…It is a clear expression of the security guarantees we have through NATO, not least the close cooperation and partnership we have with the United States.”

Prior to arriving, the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group (GRFCSG) integrated His Norwegian Majesty’s Ship (HNoMS) Roald Amundsen (F311) as the GRFCSG Surface Warfare Commander, building collective operational experience at-sea and showcasing a powerful display of the U.S. Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy’s interoperability.

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“Norway is a strategic partner in the continued efforts to maintain a secure and stable Arctic and North Atlantic region that benefits global order,” said Rear Adm. Erik J. Eslich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12. “We are committed to our NATO Ally….”

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…The Gerald R. Ford CSG sailed along-side NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group One for several days since NATO allies and partners take every opportunity to train together to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures to increase interoperability.

Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier. As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. Ford-class aircraft carriers introduce 23 new technologies, including Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Advanced Arresting Gear and Advanced Weapons Elevators. The new systems incorporated onto Ford-class ships are designed to deliver greater lethality, survivability and joint interoperability…paving the way forward for naval aviation.

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The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Photo: U.S. Naval Forces Europe an d Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.