190925-N-YW264-1193 NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Sept. 25, 2019) Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, center left, is briefed on the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) by Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Justin Knighton, from Tyler, Texas, assigned to the air department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Esper visited Gerald R. Ford to see first-hand the progress the ship is making during its post-shakedown availability and to speak directly with Ford and Navy leadership. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Melvin/Released)