Christening of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)
It was a proud moment for the Boy Scouts of America when Gerald R. Ford became 38th President of the United States, the only Eagle Scout to serve as the nation’s Chief Executive. Now we can honor his memory again with the christening of the nation’s newest aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Photo by Ricky Thompson // Courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
On November 9th, with his daughter Susan Ford Bales breaking a bottle of sparkling wine over the carrier’s bow, the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was officially christened at Newport News Shipbuilding. Scouting played a key role in this historic moment, with five Colonial Virginia Council Eagle Scouts serving as honorary Color Guard, carrying the National, State and BSA flags before thousands of onlookers.
Also representing the BSA was a large contingent of Scouts and Scouters from the Tidewater Council in Virginia Beach, the Colonial Virginia Council and President Gerald R. Ford Field Service Council in Grand Rapids, carrying 78 US flags to represent the Navy’s CVN 78 designation. What an exciting moment for Scouting to have a role in this memorable event in naval history!
Photo courtesy of Colonial Virginia Council
It’s the first of a new class of aircraft carriers – known as the Ford class. It can reach speeds in excess of 30+ knots (that’s about 34.5 miles per hour), weighs nearly 100,000 tons, and will carry 4,660 personnel and 75 aircraft.
How appropriate for the Ford to be the first in a new class of carrier – named for one of America’s great leaders, as well as a great leader in the eyes of the Boy Scouts of America. Our mission, through values taught from the Scout Oath and Scout Law, is to help build terrific leaders for our communities across the nation. We are all incredibly proud to see the Ford name join other great leaders in naval history.
What great leaders inspire and motivate people in your organizations? They may not all be well-known, but I am sure that they are very representative of the people you work with every day and their accomplishments.
More soon!
Wayne
Nathan Johnson
As a member of the Communications team at Boy Scouts of America, Nathan Johnson enjoys finding and sharing the stories that inform, inspire, and delight the Scouting family.
Comments
reach out
