Executives from Newport News Shipbuilding says a third Advanced Weapons Elevator for USS Gerald R. Ford is being certified with paperwork submitted to the U.S. Navy.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Sept. 17, 2019) Russell Vought, acting director of office of management and budget, receives a brief from Capt. John J. Cummings, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) commanding officer, on Ford’s advanced weapons elevators (AWE) during a tour of the ship. Vought visited Ford to see first-hand the progress the ship is making during its post-shakedown availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor D. Loessin) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring badges.)
A fourth one has also completed testing and will have its paperwork submitted soon.
So far, only two AWEs have been certified, a total of 11 elevators are installed aboard the aircraft carrier.
