April 9, 2013 – Newport News shipbuilders prepare for the lift of the 787-metric-ton lift of the upper bow unit for the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Photo by Chris Oxley Post date September 2, 2020 ← Mar 20, 2013 – Shipbuilders work night shift on Gerald R. Ford shortly after the mast is added to the island. Photo by John Whalen → The heaviest lift ever performed at Newport News Shipbuilding took place Oct. 4, 2012. The gallery deck to flight deck bridge unit for the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) weighs 1026 metric tons and measures 128 feet wide and 128 long. The superlift comprises 14 sections of firefighting, jet fuel and catapult systems. Photo by John Whalen.