The newest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier design in 40 years, Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), is set to be commissioned by the U.S. Navy on Saturday, July 22, 2017. When it does, there will be components of the ship manufactured in Beloit, Wisconsin. The commissioning of a ship is a grand ceremony culminating with raising the commissioning pennant to the masthead and for all purposes of law and tradition, the ship then becomes a United States Ship (USS) of the line.
Ford’s commissioning marks the accomplishment of years of construction and design and countless hours of work. Fairbanks Morse Engine and its workforce of over 500 men and women are part of the industrial base that supplies parts and services to Newport News Shipbuilding, the builder of the ship.
Fairbanks Morse Engine is one of 21 companies in Wisconsin that provide $128 million worth of parts and services for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
Last month, the Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, Rear Admiral Brian Antonio said, “Over the last several years, thousands of people have had a hand in delivering Ford to the Navy -- designing, building and testing the Navy's newest, most capable, most advanced warship. Without a doubt, we would not be here without the hard work and dedication of those from the program office, our engineering teams and those who performed and oversaw construction of this incredible warship."
“Fairbanks Morse Engine is very proud of the significant contribution we make to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier program, and for our role in the service those great ships provide to our country,” said Fairbanks Morse Engine VP, Paul Roden.
Last year, the U.S. Navy testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Seapower Subcommittee about the ship, “The Ford-class design improves war fighting capability, survivability, operational availability, and quality of life for sailors, while reducing total billets, including ship’s crew and air wing, by nearly 1,200 personnel and decreasing total ownership costs by approximately 4 billion per ship.”
Ford will continue the legacy of air power from the sea as the cornerstone of U.S. military supremacy around the globe.
More information on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78): http://www.thefordclass.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/USSGeraldRFord
About Fairbanks Morse Engine
Fairbanks Morse is the critical power solutions expert – a strategic partner and a trusted source for application-specific, fuel-flexible power systems that deliver optimal performance in mission critical applications. These applications include power generation -- base load and standby power plants, and emergency back-up power for nuclear plants; and ship propulsion and shipboard power for the United States Navy and Coast Guard and commercial vessels. Fairbanks Morse reliable engine drive solutions also can be found in a wide range of municipal, institutional and industrial applications. More information is available at www.fairbanksmorse.com.
About EnPro Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NPO)
EnPro Industries, Inc. is a leader in sealing products, metal polymer and filament wound bearings, components and service for reciprocating compressors, diesel and dual-fuel engines and other engineered products for use in critical applications by industries worldwide. For more information about EnPro, visit www.enproindustries.com