Jan 25, 2012 – The hull of CVN 78 begins to take shape several years into construction. Photo by Chris Oxley Post date September 2, 2020 ← The 825-ton stern superlift for the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is lowered into place to complete the ship’s stern on 9/12/2011. Photo by John Whalen, Newport News Shipbuilding. → The lower bow unit for the aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is lifted in place 5/24/2102. The Ford, the first ship in a new class of nuclear-powered carriers is under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Ricky Thompson, Newport News Shipbuilding.