MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Ayg. 14, 2023) The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Blue Ridge-class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Hellenic Navy frigate HS Elli (F450) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) steam in formation in the Mediterranean Sea, Aug. 14, 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 U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly)