NORTH SEA (May 21, 2023) The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) transits the North Sea with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, May 21, 2023. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by the U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)