The USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the US Navy, is being deployed to the Caribbean Sea as part of a Pentagon initiative to combat drug trafficking in South America. The move was confirmed by Sean Parnell, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, who emphasized its role in enhancing the US ability to detect and dismantle illicit activities. This deployment marks a significant escalation of military activity in the region, raising concerns about potential hostilities. The Ford is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an electromagnetic propulsion system and advanced weapons elev, making it more efficient and powerful than its predecessors. The administration claims the deployment is part of a broader effort to secure American interests and reduce the influence of criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.
Key facts
- The USS Gerald R. Ford is the most advanced and expensive aircraft carrier in the world, with a construction cost of around $13 billion.
- The carrier is nuclear-powered and can operate for up to 20 years without refueling, thanks to its advanced propulsion system.
- It features an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which allows for faster and more efficient aircraft launches compared to traditional steam catapults.
- The Ford is equipped with 11 advanced weapons elevators that use electromagnetic motors to transport munitions more quickly and efficiently.
- The deployment of the Ford to the Caribbean is part of a broader US strategy to combat drug trafficking and strengthen security in the Western Hemisphere.
