In Trieste, everything is ready for the arrival of the largest military ship in the world. The USS Gerald R. Ford is 337 meters long and 76 meters high. For comparison: the Ljubljana skyscraper measures 70 meters in height. It can accommodate more than 4,500 people, which is why many Trieste restaurateurs and hoteliers are already wringing their hands. He will be in Trieste until Thursday.
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, named after the 38th president of the United States, is considered the leader of its class and at the same time one of the most expensive military projects in history. It is the largest warship in the world.
It is 337 meters long and 76 meters high. For comparison: the Ljubljana skyscraper measures 70 meters in height. It is 78 meters wide on the upper deck. It has 25 decks and can simultaneously accommodate up to 90 planes and helicopters and more than 4,500 people. It has a displacement of 100,000 tons and can reach a speed of 30 knots.
Construction of the aircraft carrier began in August 2005, and it was handed over to the US Navy in 2017.
She had her first assignment in October last year, and in May of this year she sailed off the coast of Norway for NATO exercises, which Russia called an illogical and harmful display of power. At the end of June, she sailed to the Mediterranean Sea, and soon after to Split.
At the time, Jutarnji list reported that the arrival of the aircraft carrier was met with a lot of negative reactions. “To me, the whole thing looks like a “who’s bigger” competition.” And this American one is really, really big,” said Adrian. “You allowed them to come here? Why? Well, when someone is marching halfway around the world with an army, it really doesn’t look like ‘defense,’” remarked Florian.
Since the ship is powered by two nuclear reactors, the Arpa environmental agency and the Luška captaincy in Trieste, according to unofficial information from the Primorske dnevnik, should request that more than 40 people take care of the safety of the water during her visit. Protests by peacekeepers and environmentalists are also expected.
The mayor of Trieste Roberto Dipiazza points out the economic benefits of visiting an aircraft carrier with a large crew, especially for restaurateurs, merchants and hoteliers, because the hotels are full to the last corner.
Also the president of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Massimiliano Fedriga according to the Trieste prima web portal, it is an excellent opportunity for local companies.
The Gerard R. Ford will not be the first American aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Trieste. In May of last year, the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, which is also powered by two nuclear reactors, was in Trieste.
