Understanding the USS Ford

The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) and the Association of Naval Aviation (ANA), Patuxent River Squadron, have announced that their next panel event will be “Air Wing-Ship Integration and Interoperability for USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN-78),” on Thursday, Sept. 29th at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.

The public is welcome to attend.

“The Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier will implement revolutionary technologies such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which replaces steam catapults for launching aircraft,” said Mr. Keith Sanders, NAVAIR’s Assistant Commander for Acquisition (AIR-1.0) and the moderator for this panel. “While complex, the successful integration and interoperability of several new technologies will improve warfighting effectiveness and also reduce costs. I look forward to a robust dialogue about how we are making this new aircraft carrier class an extraordinary component of our American naval forces.”

Bonnie Green, TPP’s Executive Director, said “Discussions about integrating new technologies for naval aviation and carrier operations will provide a fascinating perspective on air wing-ship coordination.”

“The Pax River ANA Squadron is pleased to team with TPP again,” said Mark Converse, the commanding officer of the local ANA Squadron. “This will be a superb opportunity for the local public to hear how NAVAIR is collaborating with other organizations on the integration of new aircraft and systems to increase the striking power of our nation’s next aircraft carrier.”

There is a pre-program reception at 5:00 p.m., for which payment of $10.00 per person is required in advance at www.paxpartnership.org. The panel discussion begins at 5:30 p.m. The Museum is located at 22156 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park. Recommended attire is business casual/uniform of the day.

The Patuxent Partnership works with government, industry and academia on initiatives in science and technology, hosts programs of interest to NAVAIR and the broader DoD community, and supports workforce development including education initiatives and professional development. Visit www.paxpartnership.org or call 301-866-1739.

Over the last 100 years, Naval Aviation has become a primary instrument of our national security. The Patuxent River Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviation is committed to educating the general public on the importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the United States and its allies. Membership in the Association is open to all. To join, visit www.anahq.org and click on “Membership.”

Source: The Patuxent Partnership