The new aircraft carrier of the US Navy “Gerald R. Ford”, considered the largest in the world, has arrived in the port of Antalya. Amazed by its size, tourists take selfies against its background with enthusiastic shouts.
The Turkish Navy’s flagship TCG Anadolu and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier are conducting joint exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkish portal Haberturk reported last Friday.
Hundreds of tourists resting on the beaches took advantage of this unique opportunity and began actively taking pictures against the background of this giant aircraft carrier, which is part of the American fleet and some time ago replaced the Nimitz-type aircraft carriers.
Rear Admiral Eric J. Eslich, commander of the 12th Carrier Strike Group, said the following in connection with the visit of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier: “The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, together with our partners from the Turkish Navy and Air Force conducted several trainings in various fields before reaching Antalya. These exercises have strengthened our ties with Turkey and advanced the goal of working together in maritime tactical methods and procedures. Collective efforts also contribute to our common goal of ensuring peace and stability in the region.”
Reference: The aircraft carrier of the US Navy, which arrived on the shores of Turkey, is considered a representative of the highest class of aircraft carriers of the Ford class and the most advanced ship in the “line”. However, instead of the planned five years, its creation took much longer: the ship was laid down in 2009, and its work was completed only in 2022. Total construction costs were $13.3 billion, according to the US Navy at the end of 2021. “Gerald R. Ford” can accommodate more than 70 aircraft.