Nov. 9, 2013 – Susan Ford Bales smashes a bottle of American sparkling wine across the bow of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to christen the aircraft carrier. Photo by Chris Oxley Post date September 2, 2020 ← The freshly painted Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) shines at night in the empty dry dock, waiting to meet water for the first time. Photo by John Whalen → Nov. 9, 2013 – Susan Ford Bales smashes a bottle of American sparkling wine across the bow of Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to christen the aircraft carrier. Photo by John Whalen