General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy, recently visited the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the world’s largest aircraft carrier, where he was given a backseat flight in an F/A-18F Super Hornet. During the visit, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff met with the ship’s captain, leaders of Carrier Strike Group 12, and Royal Navy pilots currently embedded within the carrier’s air wing. The visit highlighted the close cooperation between the U.S. and UK navies
On the flight deck, the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, piloted by Lieutenant Commander Chris Kapuschansky of Strike Fighter Squadron 213, taxied in preparation for flight operations. The Super Hornet is a modern, twin-engine, multirole fighter capable of air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. Lt. Cmdr. Kapuschansky’s skilled handling of the aircraft highlights the expertise of the personnel operating aboard the carrier and reinforces the strategic importance of U.S. naval aviation.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is scheduled to anchor in the Bay of Palma from October 3 to 8. With more than 4,500 personnel on board, US officials are making preparations for their arrival, including arranging twenty coaches to transport crew members from the port. Spanish authorities, including the National Police and Guardia Civil, have been informed in order to coordinate security measures during the visit.
The economic impact of the carrier’s stay is expected to be significant. Based on previous visits by US carriers, such as the USS Harry S. Truman in 2022, Mallorca could see around ten million euros in revenue generated through spending on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and transport services, including car rentals. The influx of thousands of crew members is likely to give a temporary but notable boost to the island’s economy.
Beyond its local impact, the USS Gerald R. Ford’s presence reflects broader geopolitical tensions. Deployed to the US 6th Fleet area of operations, the carrier is tasked with supporting naval readiness, defending US and allied interests across Europe and Africa, and conducting missions alongside NATO allies. A nuclear-powered vessel capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, including state-of-the-art F/A-18s and F-35s, it features new electromagnetic catapults that increase efficiency and reduce manpower needs. Described as “a military machine without equal,” its deployment underscores the importance of US naval strength amid instability in the Middle East and rising tensions in Europe.