“When the USS Gerald R. Ford entered Oslo Fjord in 2023, it was the first U.S. aircraft carrier to do so in 65 years. Since then, we welcomed the USS Harry S. Truman and are now glad to see the sailors of the Gerald R. Ford back again,” said Eric Myer, Charge d’Affairs, ad interim. “These visits are not merely symbolic. The presence of this carrier strike group in Norwegian waters training with Allied forces exemplifies our commitment to shared security.”
While in Oslo, the crew and embarked personnel of Gerald R. Ford were scheduled to take part in tours of the Norwegian capital, including glassmaking traditions and the Holmenkollen Zipline. Sailors were also set to assist in a local veteran’s run as part of their community engagement.
“This ship, the largest of its kind on Earth, navigated thousands of miles, including narrow straits and challenging seas, to be here today as a statement of America’s commitment to our Allies,” said Capt. Dave Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford. “Our ship visited Oslo during its maiden deployment in 2023, and we are privileged to return. The city of Oslo holds a special place in Gerald R. Ford’s history and future.”
The Gerald R. Ford served as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Twelve on a scheduled deployment in support of U.S. 6th Fleet operations. The deployment aimed to enhance warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness, while defending U.S., Allied, and partner interests across the region.
Gerald R. Ford, with Carrier Air Wing Eight and destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan, had previously conducted multi-domain operations in the Atlantic Ocean before transiting the Strait of Gibraltar. The strike group also participated in Neptune Strike 25-2 and Operation Overture with the French, German and Norwegian navies prior to its arrival in Oslo.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducted the full spectrum of joint and naval operations with allies and partners to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
