The USS Gerald R. Ford pulled back into Norfolk Thursday a day ahead of schedule, after six days of successful trials at sea, the Navy announced.
Navy leaders are hailing the run as a turning point for its newest aircraft, which has suffered a series of high-profile technological setbacks, according to Tribune News Service.
“It has all of our attention and focus, and we’ve seen some really good performance over the last few months,” Rear Adm. Jim Downey, program executive officer of carriers, said. “I feel we’ve got the right team on it, and we’re learning from each other as we go.”
Downey said the Ford will be active in and out of Norfolk over the next year and a half.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Botts