“Woah! Massive 100,000-ton naval giant docks in front of Palma de Mallorca – Historic milestone alert!”
On October 1st, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the flagship of the US Navy, cruised into the waters surrounding the island of Mallorca with a clear mission in mind: to make a historic visit. This visit will mark the first time the most advanced and powerful aircraft carrier in the world docks in Spain.
Palma de Mallorca, the chosen stage for this grand entrance, has welcomed US Navy ships before, but never one of this magnitude. With over 5,000 crew members and personnel on board, the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford promises a significant boost to the local economy, especially for the hospitality sector and local services.
Due to its massive size – 337 meters in length and weighing 100,000 tons – the aircraft carrier cannot dock at the port of Palma. Instead, it will anchor nearby, with ferries and auxiliary vessels shuttling personnel to land, as has been done in previous stops with other ships.
A Technological Wonder Serving Naval Supremacy
The USS Gerald R. Ford stands out from other aircraft carriers, thanks to its cutting-edge technology. Launched in 2013 and commissioned in 2017, this vessel is the first of its kind equipped with electromagnetic aircraft launch catapults, setting a new standard in naval engineering. Its deck can house up to 75 combat aircraft and advanced systems designed to maintain superiority in the face of increasing maritime threats.
Accompanied by an escort group forming the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (CSG), this aircraft carrier and its fleet have recently drawn attention during maneuvers in the Barents Sea, closely monitored by Russian forces. It serves as a powerful symbol of US projection capability in the Mediterranean, embodying decades of naval engineering and Washington’s stance in a world where tensions are on the rise.
[Source: ]
