Navy plans to use Ford-class aircraft carrier to power Naval Station Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va., (WAVY) – The U.S. Navy plans to use a Ford Class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to power Naval Station Norfolk, a Navy spokesperson told Nexstar’s WAVY.
The experiment is a way for the military to use another power source. Ford Class ships are the newest ships in the Navy fleet. Engineers hope to transfer energy from ship to shore.
Initial testing will begin later this year, according to the Navy.
“The Department of the Navy is executing a multi-pronged strategy to ensure robust, baseload power delivery to our installations for energy resiliency and mission assurance,” the spokesman said.
“One effort in the strategy is to transfer power from a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to a compatible shore facility to demonstrate the ability to meet immediate, mission-critical needs,” they added.
This comes after Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated at the fiscal 2027 budget request committee hearing on May 14 that “Norfolk Naval Base will be operated by an aircraft carrier.”
Although no ship was specifically named by the Navy for this test, the only current Ford-class aircraft carrier in active service is the USS Gerald R. Ford.
No additional information was provided.
WAVY will continue to monitor this and provide you with the latest updates as they become available.
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