NORWEGIAN SEA (June 6, 2023) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Alex Williams, from Houston, assigned to the world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) air department, directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 on the flight deck, June 6, 2023. VFA-31 is deployed aboard CVN 78 as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. 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 U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nolan Pennington)