NORFOLK, Va. — The USS Gerald R. Ford’s first deployment was postponed due to severe weather forecast for Hampton Roads as a nor’easter looms to the south.
The Navy’s newest carrier, which was years late and 27% over budget, was slated to finally push off from the pier Monday, but was forced into another delay “due to changing weather conditions,” said Lara Bollinger, public affairs officer for the U.S. 2nd Fleet.
Previously, the Navy planned to forgo a traditional, pier-side send-off for the Ford due to weather and safety concerns. The 2nd Fleet was also bracing for potential weather delays.
