USS Gerald R. Ford to Test Power Export Capabilities at Naval Station Norfolk

The U.S. Navy plans to test the USS Gerald R. Ford's ability to supply power to Naval Station Norfolk later this year. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced this initiative during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on May 14, 2026. The carrier, which recently returned from a record 326-day deployment, is equipped with two A1B nuclear reactors. These reactors are designed to provide power but face challenges in synchronizing with land-based grids. The test aims to demonstrate the carrier's potential to support military and civilian needs during emergencies. This capability could be crucial for disaster recovery efforts, such as restoring power after hurricanes. However, the reactors generate significantly less power than commercial nuclear plants, limiting their scope. The Navy has not disclosed specific hardware details for the power export process.

Key Points: • USS Gerald R. Ford will test its ability to power Naval Station Norfolk later this year. • The carrier is equipped with two A1B reactors, designed for enhanced operational efficiency. • Challenges include synchronizing shipboard power systems with land-based grids.