Locals react to USS Gerald Ford commissioning

Saturday morning President Trump commissioned the U.S. Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford in Norfolk, Virginia. The state of the art ship cost $13 billion and 8 years to build.

Palm Springs Air Museum historian Bob Andrade said Saturday was a historic moment for our country.

“When you put 75 aircraft on a carrier that’s top of the line. And I think its 44 hundred people there to take care of it. That’s a city,” Andrade said.

He said the USS Gerald Ford’s advanced technology and operational systems are the best of the best. The museum housing aircraft Andrade said you might see on the newly commissioned ship.

“I’m positive, but it’s the same era. This is the closest one of all the planes we have here in the navy that would be on the carrier,” Andrade said.

Other volunteers sharing their excitement about Saturday’s ceremony.

“It was a very exciting and moving presentation. I’ve seen lots of these but this one was spectacular because this ship is so huge and so tricked out,” said Docent Paul Garber.

President Trump applauding the military’s strength at Saturday’s commissioning. But also calling to increase the defense budget.

“Now we need Congress to do its job and pass the budget that provides for higher, stable and predictable funding levels for our military needs. That our fighting men and women deserve. And you will get. Believe me,” said President Trump.

Andrade said he’s happy the ship is named after our 38th President and Rancho Mirage resident Gerald Ford.

“We’re kind of proud of him and when I heard about it I was really happy, because we named some great nuclear carriers after great presidents,” Andrade said.