The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a leap forward in naval engineering. This nuclear-powered vessel boasts cutting-edge technology, from electromagnetic catapults to advanced radar systems. As the largest and most expensive aircraft carrier ever built, the Ford-class ships are designed to project American power globally. Despite its cinematic appeal, the Gerald R. Ford has not yet appeared in major Hollywood films.
Unlike some of its predecessors, such as the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which were used in Top Gun: Maverick, the USS Gerald R. Ford has remained largely off the silver screen. The movie, released in 2022, showcased thrilling aerial sequences aboard the older Nimitz-class carriers but did not include the Ford. Its modernity and operational focus have kept it away from the Hollywood spotlight, at least for now.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Theodore Roosevelt, both Nimitz-class carriers, are marvels of engineering in their own right, combining immense size, firepower, and versatility. Each spans over 1,000 feet in length and can carry a full air wing of more than 60 aircraft, including F/A-18 Super Hornets, E-2 Hawkeyes, and helicopters. Powered by nuclear reactors, they can operate for over 20 years without refueling, allowing extended deployments across the globe.
Their flight decks are equipped with steam catapults and advanced arresting gear, enabling rapid launch and recovery of aircraft in high-tempo operations. Beyond combat capabilities, these carriers function as floating cities, housing thousands of sailors with full medical facilities, dining areas, and recreational spaces, highlighting the combination of military might and logistical sophistication that makes them essential to U.S. naval power.
While it has not been featured in blockbuster films, the USS Gerald R. Ford has been the subject of several documentaries and television specials. Programs such as PBS’s NewsMakers have provided in-depth coverage of the ship’s construction, commissioning, and unique capabilities. These productions give audiences an inside look at life aboard the vessel, from the crew’s daily routines to the technical marvels that make the carrier a game-changer in modern naval warfare.
Documentaries like Carriers at War have also highlighted the USS Gerald R. Ford’s role in the U.S. Navy, offering detailed explorations of its operational potential. Viewers can witness how the ship integrates advanced technologies with traditional carrier operations, providing a realistic sense of its scale and importance. Although it lacks the glamour of Hollywood action sequences, these programs present a true-to-life view of one of the world’s most formidable naval assets.
As the USS Gerald R. Ford continues its service, it may one day find its way into feature films, or even streaming series. For now, however, its presence is felt in real-world operations rather than on screen. Through documentaries and media coverage, audiences can still appreciate the technological sophistication and strategic importance of this modern naval icon, offering a glimpse of the future of naval aviation.
The world’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier is set to dock in Palma on Friday, October 3, bringing both a show of unmatched naval power and a welcome boost to the local economy. With over 4,500 personnel on board, the visit is expected to generate millions of euros in spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, and shopping.