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As of late 2024, the USS
Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has not yet fully deployed F-35C fighters, but it has successfully launched and landed them during testing and certification. Full operational integration is planned for a later date. Here's a breakdown of the situation:
- Testing and certification: The Ford has used its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to launch and recover F-35Cs. These systems are certified for F-35C operations, proving the basic capability.
- Operational readiness: To fully deploy the F-35C, the Ford requires additional modifications and equipment to handle maintenance, data processing, and other support functions for the stealth fighter.
- Upgrade timeline: The U.S. Navy has scheduled these upgrades for the Ford during its planned dry-docking and maintenance period in fiscal year 2025.
- Future carriers: The second Ford-class carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), is being built with the necessary F-35C capabilities included from the start.
- Nimitz-class F-35C deployment: While the Ford awaits its full F-35C capabilities, other carriers have already deployed the fighter. For example, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) were modified to support the F-35C and have conducted operational deployments with them.
