USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

070116-N-0696M-036 Washington, D.C. (Jan. 16, 2006) - Susan Ford Bates, daughter of President Gerald R. Ford, speaks at the unveiling and naming of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). High Resolution Image.

The ship as well as the newest class of aircraft carriers was named after the 38th president of the United States during a ceremony at the Pentagon. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley (RELEASED)

061227-N-0000X-004 Naval Historical File Photo 80-G-290628: (Nov. 24, 1944) – The 11,000-ton fast aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL 26) at anchor in the Ulithi Atoll, Caroline Islands, with a group of F-6F fighter aircraft on deck. High Resolution Image

Lt. Gerald R. Ford Jr., who later became the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977) served as ship’s navigator, athletic officer, and antiaircraft battery officer during several actions in the Pacific until Dec. 1944. He later earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and was eventually released from active duty under honorable conditions in Feb. 1946. President Ford, 93, passed away on Dec. 26, 2006 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

061227-N-0000X-003 DOD File Photo: Lt. Cmdr. Gerald Ford in uniform 1945, who later became the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977). Ford received his commission as an Ensign in the U.S Naval Reserve on April 13, 1942 and later participated in many actions in the Pacific aboard the fast aircraft carrier USS Monterey (CVL 26).

He was eventually released from active duty under honorable conditions in Feb. 1946. President Ford, 93, passed away on Dec. 26, 2006 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. DOD photo (RELEASED)

Navy Names New Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, Story Number: NNS070116-08, Release Date: 1/16/2007 4:01:00 PM.

From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced Jan. 16, the selection of Gerald R. Ford as the name of the first aircraft carrier in what will be the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers.

The selection honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the 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 Winter. "I am honored to have the opportunity to name the first ship in the new class of aircraft carriers after this great Sailor, this great leader, this great man."

Born in Omaha, Neb., in 1913, Ford grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich. He starred on the University of Michigan football team where he was a center and team most valuable player in 1934. After graduation he attended Yale Law School, where he served as assistant football coach while earning his law degree.

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

Ford was the first Vice President chosen under the terms of the Twenty-fifth Amendment and, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, succeeded the first President ever to resign; serving as the 37th Vice President (1973-1974) and the 38th President of the United States (1974-1977). Prior to becoming Vice President, he served for more than eight years as the Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives as a representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) 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.

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.

For more information from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil

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