CVN

THE78WOLVERINE

AA FIRSTFIRST ININ CLASSCLASS CELEBRATIONCELEBRATION THETHE COMMISSIONINGCOMMISSIONING OFOF FORDFORD

PRESIDENT COMMISSIONS SHIP

FORD PLANKOWNERS

TRADITION OF BRINGING THE SHIP TO LIFE

A PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME

FORD DEPARTS FOR TESTING President Donald J. Trump addresses the crew and guests of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at . Photo by Mass Communicatoin Specialist contents 3rd Class Liz Thompson THE WOLVERINE USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78) President WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/USSFORD Commanding Officer Commissions Capt. Richard McCormack Executive Officer Ford 3 Capt. Brent Gaut Command Master Chief ....2 CMDCM Laura Nunley Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Katharine Cerezo From PCU to Assistant Public Affairs Officer Ensign Corey T. Jones

Media Department Production CPO USS MCC Bryan Weyers

Editor Ford Sailors Embrace the MC2 Kristopher Ruiz Plankowner Title PRESIDENT COMMISSIONS FORD 6 Media Department Staff Story by Ens. Corey Todd Jones

MC1 Aidan Campbell MC1Jonathan Pankau President Donald J. Trump commissioned the ....3 MC1 Corey Rose MC1 Joshua Sheppard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at a “The Sailors aboard today are MC2 Ryan Litzenberger commissioning ceremony July 22. MC2 Jason Pastrick among our nation’s finest.” “...Bring Her MC2 Kiana Raines A commissioning is a day of celebration, and MC2 Ruben Reed - Capt. Richard McCormack MC3 Cat Mae O. Campbell honors the dedication, team work, and collaboration MC3 Ryan Carter of Sailors, legislators, shipbuilders, program to fight for America.” MC3 Sean Elliot He continued, “We are so very blessed with to Life” 8 MC3 Matthew Fairchild managers, and the ship’s sponsor in delivering the MC3 Connor Loessin ship to the fleet. warriors who are willing to serve America in the MC3 Joshua Murray MC3 Gitte Schirrmacher Trump landed on the flight deck in Marine One and greatest fighting force in history, the United States MC3 Liz Thompson was greeted by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, military. Today this ship officially begins its role in ....5 Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, Chief the noble military history of our great nation.” The Wolverine is an authorized publication for members of of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and Stackley also addressed the crowd. Chief Takes the military services and their families. Its contents does not USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick “So skipper, as we marvel at the technology and necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the McCormack. the daunting numbers that measure this ship, never Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby. Over 10,000 friends and family members attended lose sight that in times of crisis, you will be the first the Stage 10 Submit story ideas to MCC Weyers at the event, watching the festivities from the hangar to respond, and when called upon, you will deliver [email protected] bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN the final word in the bidding of our nation,” said 69). Stackley. “Whenever you sail, wherever you sail, you ....6 Distinguished members of the party offered will be a symbol of Unites States resolve and you will Front Cover Photo Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Litzenberger remarks to honor the occasion. be a symbol of the man whose name you bear.” “Wherever this vessel cuts through the horizon, our After the ship’s sponsor and President Ford’s

Firsts for NORFOLK, Va. (July 22, 2017) –USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors allies will rest easy and our enemies will shake with daughter Susan Ford Bales gave the traditional man the rails during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at fear because everyone will know that America is command to “Man our ship and bring her to life,” Naval Station Norfolk. a First 12 coming and America is coming strong,” said Trump. Ford Sailors ran up the brows and manned the rails “Our true strength is our people. Our greatest as the band played “Anchor’s Aweigh.” weapon is all of you. Our nation endures because we McCormack expressed his pride in the work his have citizens who love America and who are willing crew has done to get the ship ready to serve in the 3 fleet. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) medical department Sailors stand watch on the flight deck to look out over the crowd “The Sailors aboard today are among our nation’s and ensure their safety during Ford’s commissioning ceremony. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st finest,” said McCormack. “They are talented, driven, Class Jonathan Pankau innovative, dedicated, and passionate about what they do and I am very proud to be their commanding officer. Team Wolverine, I have the utmost faith and confidence in your abilities to handle any challenge ahead, and I can think of no better team to take this ship to sea.” USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors view the After the ceremony, the ship was opened to the Adm. John M. Richardson, chief of naval operations, delivers commissioning ceremony from inside the ship’s remarks during USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) commissioning hangar bay. Photo by Mass Communication general public for tours, which included the flight ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Specialist 3rd Class Cat Mae O. Campbell deck, the commanding officer’s in-port cabin, pilot Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher house, mess decks, fo’c’sle, and the newly opened tribute room. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is the lead ship in the Ford-class of aircraft carrier, the first new class in more than 40 years, and will begin the phased replacement of Nimitz-class carriers. CVN-78 honors the 38th president of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. During World War II Ford attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, serving on the The University of Michigan’s head football coach, light carrier USS Monterey (CVL 26). Ford became Jim Harbaugh, and guests chant the school’s President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks during USS Susan Ford Bales, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) ship’s fight song before USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) commissioning ceremony at Naval president in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal 78) commissioning ceremony at Naval Station sponsor, delivers remarks during Ford’s commissioning Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher and served in the country’s highest office from 2nd Class 2nd Class Anna-Liesa Hussey Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher 1974-1977.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors run up Ford’s brow Capt. Richard McCormack, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN to bring the ship to life during Ford’s commissioning 78) commanding officer, delivers remarks during Ford’s ceremony. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by 1st Class Jonathan Pankau Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher

Secretary of Defense James Mattis, left, and President Donald J. Trump, prepare to enter the hangar bay to speak to Sailors at USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by President Donald J. Trump departs USS Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Fairchild Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on Marine One after Ford’s commissioning ceremony USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors stand by on the at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass pier while waiting to bring the ship to life during Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ford’s commissioning ceremony. Photo by Mass Matthew Fairchild. Communicatoin Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Pankau

Marines fire off a 21-gun salute to give honors to President Donald J. Trump during Ford’s USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) color guard member Logistics Specialist 3rd Class commissioning ceremony. Photo by Mass Miguel Monduy departs the hangar bay after retiring colors during Ford’s Communication Specialist Jonathan Pankau commissioning ceremony. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cat Mae O. Campbell 4 5 finally get the opportunity to partake in one of those traditions during commissioning was the greatest honor.” With any tradition, there is an evolution. The Ford-class aircraft carrier represents the evolution into a more technologically advanced Navy while still maintaining its core principles. “If anything, the title ‘plankowner’, to me, is a representation of all of the work we have put into Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) stand at parade rest bringing this ship to life,” said Information Systems during Ford’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Technician 1st Class Tataiana Green. “It had its Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Liz Thompson challenges, as any new technology will, but having the opportunity to put hands on the equipment, create training and processes that will aid the future Sailors of this ship, and set the standard for the future of the Navy has been a privilege.” Being a Ford-class plankowner is something every member of the pre-commissioning crew will carry with them for the rest of their lives, a distinction that no one can take away from them. Once they depart the command they will be rung ashore and aboard with honors anytime following FROM PCU TO USS their return to the ship. FORD SAILORS EMBRACE THE PLANKOWNER TITLE “It’s a significant and bittersweet moment Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiana Raines USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)Sailors chat before they position for a Sailor to hear ‘Plankowner, , themselves to “bring the ship to life” during Ford’s (CVN 78) commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Departing,’ but they know that they have left a Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anna-Liesa Hussey USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors stand at attention before the legacy of excellence and hard work behind them for departure of the official party. Photo by Mass Communication Sailors to come,” said Green. Specialist 3rd Class Liz Thompson Commissioning USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Air Traffic Controller Dale Wagner. “I think later on in has been the mission of the pre-commissioning their careers they will see how rare and how much Family, friends and guests of USS Gerald R. Ford’s crew from its inception; their goal was to build a of an honor it is to be a plankowner, and on a new (CVN 78) crew members walk the pier prior to the ship’s commissioning ceremony. Photo by Mass competent and capable crew with the knowledge, class of ship on top of that.” Communication Specialist 1st Class Laurie Ford training, and experience to operate the new or For most Sailors, it is part of their career modified equipment onboard the first Ford-class development to learn the history and traditions of aircraft carrier. On the day of commissioning, Ford’s “If anything the title ‘plankowner’, plankowners had the opportunity to present their efforts to the public, transition the ship from a Pre- to me, is a representation of all of commissioning Unit (PCU) to a United States Ship (USS) and join a select few who have had the honor of calling themselves plankowners. the work we have put into bringing According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the title plankowner is used by the this ship to life.” United States Navy as a great honor placed upon -Information Systems Technician 1st Class Tataina Green crewmembers who are assigned to the ship during the building and commissioning process. Sailors the Navy. Some, however, join with the hopes of who become plankowners are said to have bragging becoming part of that tradition themselves. rights to the ownership of one of the planks in the “It’s an honor for me to be a plankowner because main deck and will hold this honorary distinction for it is a long standing tradition in the Navy,” said life. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew “I don’t think the junior guys fully understood Fairchild. “One of the main reasons I chose to enlist the magnitude of the ceremony,” said Senior Chief in the Navy was to be a part of that tradition. To 6 7 Sailors prepare to man the rails during USS Gerald R. Ford’s ceremony.” just felt real good, like we finally accomplished the (CVN 78) commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Ford Sailors had to face many challenges, especially commissioning of the ship.” Litzenberger the heat during commissioning day. Robeson added that even though it was a short “It was difficult on the day of the commissioning,” piece of the overall commissioning ceremony, he said Robeson. “We were standing in formation on would never forget it. the pier in our dress whites on such a hot and humid “To be a part of history and such a time-honored day, but my junior Sailors took the challenge, and I tradition was amazing,” said Robeson. “I would do it was blown away by how professional they were and again in a heartbeat.” how their military bearing was on point.” As difficult as it was, Sailors included in that evolution agree on the significance of the experience. “As soon as Susan Ford Bales said ‘bring the ship to life’, and we started running through the hangar bay and saw the crowd clapping and cheering, it was almost like super star status,” said Robeson. “All eyes were on us at that point. It was a great experience to have, a once in a lifetime experience. “ Battee added that bringing the ship to life “…was a good rush.” “We all started running out on the flight deck, and you could hear Anchor’s Aweigh playing,” said

Battee. “You could see other Sailors running from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors man the rails during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. the pier to the ship and hear the crowd standing Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan and cheering. It felt like they were cheering us on. It Litzenberger

“… BRING HER TO LIFE.” Story by Mass Communicatin Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin

“There is no one, absolutely no one, who would be “We did a lot of practices on the flight deck,” prouder of the commissioning of this mighty ship said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman than the president of the United States, Gerald R. Mariann Battee. “The first few days were kind of Ford,” said Susan Ford Bales, USS Gerald R. Ford’s rough with figuring out all of our spots and running ship sponsor. “Therefore, on behalf of the 38th there together.” president of the United States, and as your ship’s Sailors from Ford’s air department ran out to man sponsor, I am proud to give the command: Officers the rails in sleight-of-hand fashion as Sailors from and crew of the United States Gerald R. Ford, man Ford’s weapons department ran through the hangar our ship and bring her to life.” bay. Bringing the ship to life is a time-honored Navy “We had two formations of 100 Sailors apiece, tradition. When a ship is commissioned, the ship’s waiting for the call to bring the ship to life,” said sponsor gives the command to man the ship and Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Tony Robeson, head take charge of their posts. of the team that brought the ship to life. “It was USS Gerald. R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors “bring the ship to life” Ford’s crew executed the command during the challenging trying to work with 200 Sailors that during Ford’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class ceremony, but it was their hard work prior to the have different appointments and work assignments Jason Pastrick event that allowed it to happen. to take care of on top of getting in practice for the 8 9 Chief Berwyn Tinnion, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), sings the national anthem during Ford’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher

Chief Yeoman Berwyn Tinnion, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), sings the national anthem during Ford’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gitte Schirrmacher

day of commissioning, I had no jitters at all.” Tinnion has been assigned to Ford for more than three and a half years and has made his impact on the crew, even Capt. Richard CHIEF TAKES THE STAGE McCormack, Ford’s commanding officer. Story by Mass Communicatin Specialist 3rd Class Sean Elliott “The commanding officer has heard Tinnion sing the National Anthem at almost every major The commissioning ceremony of USS Gerald remember and has shared his gift at many event that has happened on the ship,” said R. Ford (CVN 78) July 22, 2017, marked the first events such as retirements, promotions and the Parland. “When it came time to pick someone commissioning of a new class of aircraft carrier occasional karaoke night onboard Ford. for the commissioning, Tinnion was nominated Chief Yeoman Berwyn Tinnion, assigned to USS Gerald R. in 40 years. Of the thousands that came out, “My most memorable moment with Chief Ford (CVN 78), sings the national anthem during Warrant by the commanding officer.” Officer Michael Payne’s commissioning ceremony. Photo by many distinguished visitors, including President Tinnion was the first time I heard him sing,” Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Corey Rose Tinnion became the go-to singer aboard Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Defense said Senior Chief Yeoman Wave D. Parland Ford soon after he checked onboard Ford in James Mattis, were present to witness a Ford II, Ford’s commanding officer administration a big event that he’s singing at, but Ford’s September 2013. Sailor’s rendition of the National Anthem. It leading chief petty officer. “He sang the National commissioning was unique. “Late December [2013], I was in the office was a performance that captured the hearts of Anthem with such conviction and devotion “For some reason, the day prior to the singing. Someone heard me and said, ‘Hey, can thousands at the commissioning ceremony and at that retirement ceremony that it had me commissioning I was extremely nervous and you do the National Anthem?’” said Tinnion. millions around the world. in tears. From that moment, I knew he was a had the shakes big time,” said Tinnion. “But the Tinnion is not only a talent onstage, but also “The biggest event I’ve ever sung the National special guy.” possesses great talent when it comes to doing Anthem at was [Ford’s] commissioning,” said Parland went on to say, Tinnion’s performance “Chief Tinnion is a remarkable his job -- being a chief petty officer. Chief Yeoman Berwyn Tinnion, Ford’s executive on Ford’s commissioning day set the tone for “Chief Tinnion is a remarkable leader,” said officer administration leading chief petty officer. how the rest of the ceremony went. leader. He truly cares about Sailors Yeoman 2nd Class Kenneth Atkins, Ford’s “It makes me feel proud to be able to sing for “He grabbed the audience from the beginning,” reactor department administration leading our commander-in-chief and share with the said Parland. “I could see the emotion as he was in and out of his department.” petty officer. “He truly cares about Sailors in and world the talent that God has given me.” singing the National Anthem.” - Yeoman 1st Class Kenneth Atkins out of his department.” Tinnion has been singing ever since he can Tinnion ordinarily gets nervous the day of 10 11 An MH-60S Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS William operates and fits into the larger picture,” said (HSC) 5 and an MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, prepares to take off from the flight deck of USS McClean (T-AKE 12). These approaches took Aviation Boatswain Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Carter place with as little as 200 feet of separation Franklen Garrett. “I said from the time I got here between the two vessels and were designed to that I wanted to be among the first to earn a test the positioning and handling characteristics pin on the Ford. I couldn’t be more proud, and I of Ford during future underway replenishments. encourage everyone to put in the work and take Not all of the firsts that were accomplished by this opportunity.” Ford and its crew were planned far in advance. Ford’s crew was also able to take part in the On Aug. 7, the crew of Ford and the “Night ship’s first “steel beach picnic” Aug. 12. During Dippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron a break in underway testing, the crew held a (HSC) 5 assisted a shipmate in distress from cook-out on the ship’s flight deck complete USS The Sullivans (DDG 68). It was Ford’s first with hamburgers, hotdogs, and side items. The MEDEVAC as a commissioned warship. ship’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) On Aug. 10, Ford was visited by the 76th division also set up inflatable games in the ship’s Secretary of the Navy, the honorable Richard V. hangar bay and sponsored a 3-on-3 basketball Spencer, in his first visit to a U.S. Navy ship while tournament. underway. “It was a nice relaxing environment where “I came aboard this big ship and was impressed people didn’t have to be so concerned with at 20 miles out. My awe grew every single mile work at that moment,” said Personnel Specialist we came closer, but that was overshadowed by 1st Class DeAndrea Douglas, Ford’s Morale FIRSTS FOR A FIRST the people I’ve met today,” said Spencer to the Welfare and Recreation leading petty officer. Story by Mass Communicatin Specialist 1st Class Joshua Sheppard crew during an all-hands call in the hangar bay. “Those few hours off made a huge difference, “This is a magnificent ship, but you all make it [they] had a huge impact on the crew.” Each time that the first-in-class aircraft carrier operations to date this underway. To help the tip of the spear that it is.” USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) heads to sea, it facilitate that workload, Ford’s air department While underway, Ford Sailors also took time leaves a trail of milestones and “firsts” in its was able to certify the ship’s flight deck capable to hone the ability of the ship to defend itself wake. Ford’s most recent two-week underway of delivering aviation fuel. against potential adversaries. Ford’s weapons period saw that trend continue, as the ship “This fuel certification [is] the culmination of department conducted the first underway live continued test and evaluation operations. years of hard work and determination from fire qualifications for the M9 pistol and the This underway period saw the accomplishment hundreds of Sailors and civilian contractors,” M240B machine gun. of three planned milestones: rotary wing wind said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) “It’s one of our last lines of defense,” said envelope testing, flight deck fuel certification, Joshua Faulds, Ford’s V-4 division leading chief Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Patrick Flint, one of and replenishment at-sea lineup testing. Each petty officer. “To watch the system come to the instructors for the live-fire qualification. “If of these tests provided important information life over the past year has been a truly unique something crosses our threshold and they’re The honorable Richard V. Spencer, secretary of the Navy, addresses to guide the design of future carriers as well as experience, and one of which I will never forget. hostile, we’re guns-on. Nobody is getting the crew of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at an all-hands call in Ford’s hangar bay. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class an opportunity for Ford’s crew to put into action The lessons learned from our certification will through.” Ryan Carter everything that they have been training to do strengthen the foundation of knowledge for all This underway was not just about testing during the ship’s construction and sea trials. future Ford-class aircraft carriers.” Ford’s systems and Sailors, it was also a chance One of the primary goals of this underway Being able to fuel aircraft and conduct flight to recognize the hard work that has gone into was wind envelope testing for rotary wing fight operations are only a small part of sustaining making Ford more than a steel ship floating on operations. the United States’ ability to project power the water. On Aug. 15, nine Ford Sailors were “The purpose of the tests was to verify and try around the globe. Nuclear power gives an recognized as the ship’s first Enlisted Aviation to expand the helicopter wind envelopes on aircraft carrier the ability to operate without Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Surface Warfare Ford-class carriers,” said Cmdr. Thomas Plott, refueling for a quarter of a century, but an Specialist-qualified Sailors. Ford’s Air Boss. “This allows us to safely launch aircraft carrier must be able to take on fuel and “There’s a lot of pride and respect that comes and recover helicopters in a variety of diverse provisions while at sea. with earning wings. It’s a great accomplishment. Chief (Select) Quartermaster Jose Triana, assigned to USS Gerald R. conditions.” To that end, Ford successfully performed two It means you understand how all the aspects Ford’s (CVN 78) navigation department, grills food on the flight deck during a steel beach picnic. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Ford conducted its most extensive flight replenishment at-sea approaches alongside of air warfare come together, how each rate Class Corey Rose 12 13 USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) July 22, 2017