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 Post date September 2, 2020 ← 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 → Nov. 17, 2013 – The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) floats in the James River after being launched from dry dock at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Chris Oxley