IONIAN SEA (Oct. 4, 2023) The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (C 550), the Blue Ridge-class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), ITS Ciao Duilio (D 554), ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) transit the Ionian Sea, Aug. 20, 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. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maxwell Orlosky)