CVN-78 is named after Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. (1913–2006), 38th President of the United States of America (1974–1977).

(Read about LCDR Gerald R. Ford, Jr, USNR, biography and WW2 service at the Naval Historical Center website.)

Gerald R. Ford, Jr. became the fourth consecutive President to have served in the US Navy. He was the first vice president in American history to succeed to the nation's highest office because of the resignation of a president, and he was the first person to occupy the White House without being elected either president or vice president. He viewed himself as "a moderate in domestic affairs, a conservative in fiscal affairs, and a dyed-in-the-wool internationalist in foreign affairs." Ford acted vigorously to maintain US power and prestige after the collapse of Cambodia and South Vietnam. Preventing a new war in the Middle East remained a major objective. Detente with the Soviet Union continued. On Inauguration Day his successor, President Carter, began his speech: "For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land."

Artist’s concept of CVN-21 one of a new class of aircraft carriers. A new nuclear propulsion plant will power the next class of aircraft carriers. The new plant will require fewer operators thereby lowering life-cycle costs, and will provide increased electrical power that will be available for the demands of developing technology. Smart sensors will assist in further reducing Navy watch standing requirements and in automating damage control functions such as detecting fire and flooding situations. Flight deck redesign and a transition to an advanced aircraft recovery system (AARS) will reduce crew workload, enhance safety and reduce the costs of operating and maintaining a carrier throughout her planed 50-year life cycle. U.S. Navy graphic (# 030606-N-0000X-001), June 6, 2003.

Note: At the 2003 Navy League show Newport News displayed a model of a new carrier with four catapults and three, rather than four, elevators — the island being moved aft. The large, redesigned deck makes it easier to handle aircraft. When combined with the newer, more powerful and faster elevators and catapults, it is claimed that the number of sorties per day can be significantly increased.

Newport News, Va., Aug. 11, 2005 — The participants of the cutting for the first piece of steel for CVN-78, the first ship of the CVN-21 program, pose during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The ceremony was held at the shipyard's new heavy-plate bay facility, one of several new facilities built for the CVN-21 program. Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corporation (# 050811-O-0000W-002).

An artist's conception (2004) of CVN-78, the first of a new generation carrier design, CVN-21, for the US Navy, underway at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Construction is slated to begin in 2007. US Navy Photo (# 060630-N-0000X-001) courtesy Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding

Another artist's concept of CVN-78. US Navy graphic (# 050708-D-8455H-001), July 8, 2005.

A conceptual rendering of CVN-78. US Navy Illustration (# 060630-N-0000X-003) courtesy Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding.

Washington, D.C., Jan. 16, 2007 — Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Dr. Donald C. Winter, Vice President Dick Cheney, Susan Ford Bales, Jack Ford, Mike Ford, Steve Ford, Sen. John Warner, Sen. Carl Levin and Chief of Naval Operations ADM Mike Mullen salute as the model of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is unveiled. The ship as well as the newest class of aircraft carriers was named after the 38th president of the United States during a ceremony at the Pentagon. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund (# 070116-N-3642E-171).