PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Last week was big for local Navy sailors, as they headed out to sea! The USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group left Naval Station Norfolk bound for Europe.
They’re calling it the most lethal and powerful package the Navy has to offer, and it is set out on a regularly scheduled deployment for about seven months.
This departure comes amid rising tensions in Iran after the U.S bombed three of its nuclear sites and following a rocky ceasefire deal with Iran and Israel. Although this trip was planned before tensions arose, Rear Admiral Paul Lanzilotta says their plan has not changed, but they’re ready to shift gears if need be.
He told WAVY 10’s Nick Broadway “he’s not worried about his sailors; he says they’re extremely resilient and awesome and they’ve been trained to a very high level.”As the carrier left the pier, cheers and applause erupted from families and friends, joined by a somber atmosphere and a sense of pride. HRS wishes fair winds and following seas to everyone deployed with the USS Gerald R Ford Strike Group.
If you know of a person or unit who deserves a shout out, let us know on our social media at @hrs wavy. We’d love to feature them in our military minute!
