INDIANA-BASED NAVY MEMBER ON FIRST CREW OF NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIER

A native of Indiana is helping to make history as he serves the United States Navy.

On July 22^nd, The US Navy’s latest super-aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was commissioned at ceremonies in Anapolis, Maryland.  The Gerald R. Ford is the latest and newest in aircraft carriers, and replaces the 51-year-old USS Enterprise, which was retired from active service in December of 2012.  It is the first aircraft carrier to utilize a electromagnet-propulsion system to launch its planes rather than a steam engine, and it is equipped with the latest radar systems.  It’s expected to save $4 billion in operating costs over any ships in its previous class, and will be staffed by 25% fewer crew members.

(The USS Gerald R. Ford.  Photo by Mary Beth Leidman)

One of the original crew members is Lt. Junior Grade Matty Golub, the son of David Golub and Mary Beth Leidman, who contributed to this report.  He said it’s a rare honor to serve on the ship’s first ever crew.

Matty Golub will serve as the Nuclear Propulsion Officer on board the Gerald R. Ford.  The ship is expected to be officially deployed in 2020.