Video: Building the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford

In just four years, workers at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, US, have built a machine of mammoth proportions. Since the first keel was laid in 2009, shipyard workers have laboured around the clock to complete CVN-78 USS Gerald R. Ford.

Grant November 18, 2013

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The culmination of four years’ work came on 9 November when the aircraft carrier was christened in front of thousands of assembled workers and VIP guests.

This included the daughter of the carrier’s namesake, former US president Gerald Ford, who smashed the ceremonial bottle of champagne on the hull.

The sheer scale and speed of the carrier is shown in a new time lapse video released by Huntington Ingalls Industries (see above).

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Through rain, sunshine and even the occasional snow storm, the video shows the huge steel parts slowly come together to form the recognisable shape of an aircraft carrier.

The cost of a new-generation supercarrier

But this engineering marvel has come at a price. Construction costs are reported to have increased by 22% and are now thought to be in the region of $12.8bn. The ship is also only 70% complete and delivery has been delayed until 2016.

Once delivered and in operational service, the daily operating cost will be several million dollars.

But the USS Gerald R. Ford could be in service for another century, playing a pivotal role for the US while it patrols across the globe. With at least two more carriers planned, the US Navy’s global supremacy will be guaranteed for the foreseeable future.