Navy’s new aircraft carrier to deploy next year, four years later than expected

[Tony]

The Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford is set to deploy next year, four years after its original maiden deployment date.

The aircraft carrier, the lead ship in the new Ford class, is in the middle of its last maintenance phase ahead of deployment following a series of delays, including those stemming from new technologies.

“Everything is on track,” Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 12 who will lead the carrier on its first deployment, told USNI News. “We’re still looking to get out as scheduled after the six-month availability.”