CVN-78 departs for acceptance trials

The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has departed Naval Station Norfolk, VA, to begin acceptance trials, the Navy announced today.

"Acceptance Trials demonstrate to the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) the ship's ability to conduct operations at sea, and that the ship is constructed in accordance with contract specifications," according to a service statement.

Acceptance trials for the first-in-class Gerald R. Ford will last for "several days," according to the service.

Overseen by INSURV, Navy officials, and Newport News Shipbuilding personnel, sailors will operate the ships' systems and new technologies.

The service plans to accept delivery of CVN-78 by the end of the month.