This Is the Nuclear-Powered Ship Deployed in Trump’s War on Drug Boats
The A.S.S. Gerald R. Fordthe most advanced aircraft carrier in the US Navy, is heading to the Caribbean Sea as part of a Pentagon strategy meant to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking in South America.
The news was confirmed late last week by Sean Parnell, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, via his social networks. In his message, he explained that the deployment of Gerald R. Ford “will strengthen the United States’ ability to detect, monitor, and dismantle illicit actors and activities that undermine the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as our stability in the Western Hemisphere.” Until now, only ships and combat aircraft were mobilized in the area.
Since last month, President Donald Trump’s administration has continued a campaign in Caribbean waters aimed at combating drug trafficking, arguing that the activity of various criminal organizations endangers the security of the American people. In recent weeks, U.S. armed forces have targeted several ships and accused their operators of transporting drugs, a situation that has increased U.S. diplomatic tensions with countries like Venezuela and Colombia.
Sending the Ford This is an escalation of Washington’s military activity in the region, which, according to specialists, could further increase hostilities.
THE Ford has been described as the most advanced and expensive in the world. Its construction was estimated at $13 billion, according to the military industry press. It is the first of a new generation of aircraft carriers intended to replace the Nimitz class, which has been the mainstay of the American fleet since the 1970s.
The Naval Technology website explains that the Ford This class includes nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, developed by the Newport News Shipbuilding division of Huntington Ingalls Industries for the US Navy as part of the CVN-21 aircraft carrier program.
Bring in the big guns
Compared to the Nimitz class, the USS Gerald R. Ford integrates 23 new or improved systems that optimize transportation, communication, tracking, operational performance, weight tolerance and stability functions, among other aspects.
The ship displaces almost 100,000 tonnes, measures 333 meters long and 40.8 meters wide and has a 78 meter wide flight deck. One of its main innovations is its advanced nuclear propulsion system, which improves electricity production and distribution by 150% compared to its predecessors. This system, developed by Northrop Grumman, is composed of two reactors, four wells and a zonal electrical distribution system, allowing it to sail for up to 20 years without refueling.
The ship operates with the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, considered its greatest innovation. This mechanism replaces traditional steam catapults with a linear electromagnetic accelerator motor, which improves control over the acceleration of manned and unmanned aircraft. In practice, this allows vehicles to be launched at higher speeds, with heavier armament or more fuel, thereby increasing their range, coverage and lethality.
