Latest news with #USSGeraldR.Ford
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Science
- See - Sada Elbalad
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Israa Farhan China's military has launched its largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, for a new phase of sea trials. This move underlines Beijing's ambition to assert greater influence in the Asia-Pacific and challenge the longstanding maritime dominance of the United States. Weighing over 80,000 tons, the Fujian is now the world's largest conventionally powered warship and marks a major technological leap for China's navy. It is the third aircraft carrier in the Chinese fleet, but the first to be equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system. This advanced launch mechanism places China in a highly exclusive club of naval powers. The vessel recently departed Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai for open-water trials, where engineers tested the carrier's electromagnetic catapults and aircraft arresting cables. These systems allow for faster, more efficient launches of heavily armed aircraft, an ability previously seen only aboard the US Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford. According to Chinese media, the trials involved modern aircraft such as the stealth-capable J-35 and the upgraded J-15T, although it remains unclear whether full launch and recovery operations were completed. Satellite imagery has since revealed tire marks on the flight deck, further fueling speculation that airborne test missions may have taken place. The Fujian is expected to carry a wide array of next-generation aircraft, including the stealth fighter J-35, early warning KJ-600 planes, and JL-10 trainer jets. This will enable China to project integrated combat and surveillance missions far beyond its coastline—an ability long dominated by Western naval forces. The aircraft carrier's eighth sea trial, described by state broadcaster CCTV as 'intensive,' has prompted analysts to predict that the vessel is nearing operational readiness. While not yet fully commissioned, the progress signals a high level of confidence in the project's development. China currently possesses three aircraft carriers, compared to the United States' eleven. Yet the addition of Fujian is expected to significantly alter the regional power balance, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and growing geopolitical friction with Washington and its allies. In a related development, Chinese media reported that the country's second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, recently engaged in an undisclosed naval encounter in the South China Sea, during which it reportedly forced an unidentified foreign carrier to withdraw. While no specific details were provided, the report serves as a reminder of Beijing's increasing readiness to defend what it views as national sovereignty and strategic interests. The South China Sea continues to be a flashpoint for military exercises, with frequent patrols by the US Navy and joint operations involving regional allies, aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation. China, however, perceives these operations as a direct challenge to its maritime authority and has responded by expanding and modernizing its naval forces. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bellevue native promoted to Rear Admiral by U.S. Navy
This story was originally published on A Bellevue man received an incredibly high honor when the U.S. Navy promoted him to Rear Admiral. The decision came after a 'passing-of-the-guard' event occurred when the USS Gerald R. Ford held a change of command aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk. Rick Burgess was the captain of the USS Gerald R. Ford until Sunday. The USS Gerald R. Ford is a first-in-class nuclear aircraft carrier, the largest in the Navy. It is stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. According to the Navy, Burgess led the Ford through its first deployment. His crew worked with 17 allied nations, flew 10,000 sorties, and earned several top awards. 'Serving as the Captain of the USS Gerald R. Ford and leading the world's finest Sailors has been the privilege of my lifetime,' Burgess said. 'This ship's extraordinary performance over the last two years is a testament to this talented crew and their ability to effectively employ the most capable, adaptable, and lethal combat platform in the world.' With Captain David Skarosi taking over the aircraft carrier, Burgess will take over the Navy's air combat training center in Nevada in addition to being promoted to Rear Admiral. He'll be in charge of tactics and training for pilots across the fleet. The USS Gerald R. Ford earned two Battle 'E' Efficiency awards, two Chief of Naval Operations Aviation 'S' Safety awards, the 2023 Rear Admiral (Upper Half) James 'Jig Dog' Ramage Award alongside Carrier Air Wing 8, and the 2023 Battenberg Cup for best all-around ship in the Fleet while Burgess was commanding officer, according to the Navy. 'Captain Burgess' leadership of the mission and his crew while serving as Gerald R. Ford's commanding officer has been truly gratifying,' Lanzilotta said. 'He built a culture of success through an extended operational deployment and the diligent preparation for another in quick succession. His commitment to excellence motivated the whole team to constantly learn, improve, and exceed expectations.' Rear Admiral is a high rank in the Navy, equivalent to Major General in other military branches. It's a two-star flag officer rank, and in peacetime, it's the highest permanent rank an officer can hold.
News.com.au
03-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
China's new missile could destory US fleet in 20 minutes
The sight of a Chinese bomber carrying a heavy new type of hypersonic missile has heightened fears that it has found a way to counter America's most potent weapon – its 80,000-tonne nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The Trump administration's controversial Secretary of Defence Peter Hegseth has told US media that the United States Navy and Marine Corps 'loses to China in every war game'. In particular, the Pentagon Chief says China's new arsenal of guided hypersonic missiles 'can take out 10 aircraft carriers in the first 20 minutes of the conflict'. 'So far, our whole power projection platform is the aircraft carrier and the ability to project power that way strategically around the globe,' he added. It's just the latest high-level expression of fear since China unveiled its intentions to build a vast array of relatively cheap, ultra-long-range, ultra-fast missiles capable of bypassing all known defences in the early 2000s. According to the US Defence Department's most recent report on Chinese military power, Beijing has 'dramatically advanced its development of conventional and nuclear-armed hypersonic missile technologies' over the past 20 years. Among them is the YJ-21 hypersonic missile specifically designed to target aircraft carriers. But the missiles have implications reaching far beyond the pride of the US Navy. Australia's own warships, especially helicopter-carrying troopships, are far more vulnerable. And most of the northern bases housing Australia's small fleet of expensive, not-yet fully operational F-35 Stealth Fighters can be hit with little more than a minute's notice. The Pentagon admits it does not know how many such weapons the Chinese have. But Hegseth's dire prediction reveals a deep-set concern that they can defeat the existing interceptor missiles, guns and decoys intended to defend surface ships from attack. US aircraft carriers are massive ships. The USS Gerald R. Ford is 337m long and 77m wide. It weighs about 100,000 tonnes and carries about 75 combat aircraft. The $A20 billion ship carries a crew of some 4500. And it's the most modern of the US fleet of 11 similar nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. 'If we get into a war with China, we should expect to lose some carriers,' says Center for a New American Security think-tank analyst and former US Navy Captain Thomas Shugart. 'The question is: Are the objectives we're trying to fulfil going to be worth it in the view of the American public and its political leadership.' Price of war Modern aircraft carriers are built to be hard targets. On one level, they're simply huge. But the harsh lessons of World War II have taught the world's navies just how vulnerable these ships can be. 'The Navy has put great effort into carrier survivability with extensive compartmentalization, systems duplication, and damage control,' says Center for Strategic and International Studies. 'Armoring, voids, watertight fittings, fixed damage control systems, [and] damage control training all add to the survivability of carriers, as does significant redundancy in propulsion and power generation.' However, Japanese kamikaze attacks in the dying days of World War II showed that sinking such ships wasn't necessary. Wrecking their flight decks was sufficient for a 'mission kill' – making the ships useless. 'China has a deep magazine of long-range weapons and a located carrier would be very difficult to defend and keep operating,' Cancian told Popular Mechanics. If just one carrier was sunk, the loss of its 5500 sailors would exceed US losses in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. And a 2023 CSIS war game predicted defending Taiwan from China's Chairman Xi Jinping would likely involve losing two carriers. Communist Beijing has openly stated it intends to seize control of Taiwan, by force if necessary. Spikes jut from the beaches of Taiwan's Kinmen island. Picture: Sam Yeh/AFP It has hinted it plans to have its military ready to achieve the task by 2027. 'If the US decides it cannot risk its carriers in areas these weapons can reach, it's effectively denied the ability to enter into or operate there, a strategy known as 'Anti-Access/Area Denial,' Cancian explains. That risk extends to bases these weapons can reach. And that includes the US Marine presence in Darwin. 'Integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), without which our northern bases are exposed to attack, should be made a top priority,' Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) analyst Dr Malcolm Davis argues in a new assessment of national defences ahead of the federal election. 'This area has been underinvested in by the current government despite advice in the 2023 DSR urging the government to fast-track the acquisition of effective IAMD capability. The 2024 NDS and IIP did announce significantly increased investment into the ADF's northern base infrastructure to prepare it to support high-intensity military operations, which is important but less effective if the bases can't be defended.' Two people ride a motorcycle as a Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet approaches for landing at an air force base in Hsinchu. Picture: Yasuyoshi Chiba/ Secret weapons Chinese state-controlled media has this month released footage of one of its H-6K bombers carrying what appears to be an operational version of a new ballistic missile. The KD-21 ALBM (air-launched ballistic missile) was first spotted at an airshow in 2022. But this is the first time it has been seen attached to a frontline squadron aircraft. The footage shows a bomber carrying a pair of the 'carrier-killer' weapons during a recent military exercise. Its exact characteristics and purpose are unknown. But analysts point to similarities with Russia's Kinzhal AS-24 weapon that has been deployed against Ukraine. The Kinzhal appears to be a relatively simple ballistic missile that soars high above the atmosphere before plunging on its target at hypersonic speeds. But the predictability of its flight path makes it possible to intercept with modern defences. What concerns US analysts about the new Chinese weapon is its believed ability to 'skip' along the Earth's atmosphere-space boundary, making it much harder to see and track. Whatever the case, the new weapon significantly improves the reach of China's bomber force. It can fly at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (6174km/h) to reach targets up to 1000km distant. And the H-6K bomber can carry it up to 6000km before launching it – even without in-flight refuelling. But the KD-21 is just one of several missiles being deployed by Chinese bombers. Another, the KF-21, is much larger and is believed to carry a hypersonic glide vehicle. These are designed to reach immense speeds before dipping below the horizon and weaving through the sky, making its final approach much more difficult to intercept. Similar, but bigger, missiles are being built for China's land-based missile force. Combined, these weapons put every major US military facility, from Alaska to Guam and Darwin, well within Chinese first-strike range. And nuclear-powered aircraft carriers – while capable of moving significant distances at high speeds – can now be readily tracked by swarms of small spy satellites. 'Quite frankly, the carrier has been under threat from one weapons system or another for generations,' Shugart concludes. 'The difference, I think, is that the level of risk has certainly gone up.' Jamie Seidel is a freelance writer | @
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The US Navy is still grappling with elevator problems on its new Ford-class supercarriers
The US Navy's next aircraft carrier is almost finished but faces challenges with its elevators, among other technology. The advanced weapons elevators were previously an issue on the first-in-class USS Gerald R. Ford. Navy officials suggested in written testimony to Congress that they could affect the new USS John F. Kennedy. The US Navy next Ford-class aircraft carrier is just about done, but it could be held up by challenges with the elevators, Navy officers and officials said this week. It's a bit of déjà vu. The same technology was at the center of headaches for USS Gerald R. Ford, the first of the new class of Navy supercarriers, and now the elevators are a challenge as shipbuilders work to finish the next ship in the class. "The John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is nearly 95% construction complete and has a contract delivery date of July 2025," Navy officials said in a joint statement before the Senate Armed Services Committee seapower subcommittee's hearing on the state of nuclear shipbuilding on Tuesday. "However, we assess that significant pressure to that date." The officials cited issues with some of the CVN 79's technologies, namely the advanced weapons elevators and aircraft launch and recovery systems. They said the pressure to meet the contractual delivery date is driven by "critical path challenges, primarily in the Advanced Weapons Elevators and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment." The officials added that while "initial class design challenges are resolved," some of the "early class production-focused challenges and associated learning continue on CVN 79." The Advanced Weapons Elevators with electromagnetic motors, Advanced Arresting Gear, and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System were issues during the development and construction of the first-in-class USS Gerald R. Ford, which faced delays and cost overruns mostly attributed to integration issues surrounding new systems and capabilities. The elevators on the Ford, for example, weren't installed when the carrier was delivered in May 2017, well beyond the original 2015 delivery goal. The first of 11 weapons elevators arrived in December 2018. The Navy secretary at the time, Richard Spencer, staked his job on fixing the Ford elevators in early 2019, but the problem persisted beyond the deadline. In January 2020, then-acting secretary Thomas Modly said that the issue had been "sort of a disaster" but noted the service was "getting after the problem." In their joint statement on Tuesday, Navy officials highlighted successful USS Gerald R. Ford deployments, indicating that the issue is in production, not design at this stage. They added that the lessons learned are being implemented on CVN 80 and 81. The Navy didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's query about the specific problems with the weapons elevators and potential delays to CVN 79's delivery. The Ford class' elevators are controlled by electromagnetic, linear synchronous motors, which effectively allow them to move faster and carry more ordnance. Nimitz-class carriers have weapons elevators that use pulleys and cables and can carry 10,500 pounds at 100 feet a minute. The Ford's, on the other hand, can carry up to 24,000 pounds at 150 feet per minute. Among the other new technologies on the Ford class, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, is also an upgrade, over the steam catapults on the Nimitz-class carriers. The system is designed for faster sorties of heavier aircraft but the technology saw questionable performance, as did the new advanced arresting gear for aircraft recovery. The inclusion of the elevators and EMALS was paired with overall ship layout changes as well. President Donald Trump has previously been critical of both the catapults and the weapons elevators on the Ford, expressing concern about the use of magnets in the advanced technology. The Navy officials who testified before Congress Tuesday said the "Navy and shipbuilder HII-NNS are hyper-focused on a CVN 79 delivery plan that results in the fastest path to a combat ready CVN, crew, and air wing." Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
China building nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to rival US
China is developing a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier which would be larger and more advanced than any existing vessel in its fleet, in an attempt to keep pace with the US navy. The new supercarrier would allow fighter jets to be launched from four parts of the flight deck, as opposed to its current ships which can only facilitate three, according to new satellite imagery reviewed by NBC News. That would match the capability of USS Gerald R. Ford, the largest and most advanced aircraft carrier in the US navy. Images from the Dalian shipbuilding facility in northeast China show tracks or trenches in the snow, which appear to be related to a new catapult launch system. Analysts said that while the images don't show construction under way just yet, they are an indication that China is moving forward with its ambitious plans. 'We think this is them testing equipment and layouts for the upcoming Type 04 carrier,' Michael Duitsman, a researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in the US, told NBC. China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, was commissioned in 2012 and its second, the Shandong, was launched in 2017. Both use the 'ski-jump' method, which involves a ramp at the end of a short runway to propel the planes upward. The country's third and most advanced carrier to date, the Fujian, launched in 2022 and was upgraded with electromagnetic catapults, which are more similar to the systems used onboard US ships. All three of China's carriers are conventionally powered, unlike the upcoming one, which experts believe would be powered by a nuclear reactor given its size and capacity. The tracks seen in the latest satellite images run at convergent angles, which experts say resemble the configuration of existing American supercarriers that have four electromagnetic catapults. Mr Duitsman said that it seems likely that China's new carrier would resemble the USS Gerald R. Ford. China already has the largest navy in the world, with 370 military vessels, but America, with 291 vessels, has more big ships. The Gerald Ford is one of 11 supercarriers in the US navy. Rumours have circulated for years that China is preparing to build a Type 04 carrier. However, Beijing has refused to confirm any reports and very little information has been made public. Last November, analysts at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in the US revealed that China had built a land-based prototype nuclear reactor for a large surface warship. Until the satellite images from Dalian, this was the first and only piece of evidence that Beijing was developing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. China has not commented on the latest reports about its plans for a supercarrier. However, last March, Yuan Huazhi, the political commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army navy, told the state-backed Global Times that there was no bottleneck in China's aircraft carrier technologies and development was progressing smoothly. At the time, Yuan also said that more information would be made available 'soon', but little has been heard from Beijing since. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
