USS Gerald R. Ford to Test as Floating Nuclear Power Plant for Naval Base
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test on May 14, 2026, as part of a Pentagon strategy to ensure critical bases remain operational after attacks or natural disasters. The Ford, with two A1B reactors (1,400 MWt total), recently completed a record 326-day deployment.
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US Navy to test powering shore installations with nuclear aircraft carrier
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy will conduct a pilot program this summer to power Naval Station Norfolk using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The initiative aims to demonstrate the capability to provide firm, baseload power to shore installations for energy resilience and mission assurance. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, the only active Ford-class carrier, which recently completed a historic 322-day deployment. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program comparable to existing Army and Air Force programs, calling for an end to 'dithering.' Cao also suggested the technology could be used to power military bases or supply fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California.
Military TimesUS Navy to test powering shore installations with aircraft carrier nuclear reactors
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy will conduct a pilot program this summer to power Naval Station Norfolk using electricity from a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The initiative aims to demonstrate energy resilience and mission assurance by exporting power from ship to shore. The likely vessel is USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently completed a 322-day deployment. Cao also suggested the technology could be used to support disaster relief or provide fresh water to drought-stricken areas. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, calling for an end to 'dithering' on small modular reactor development.
Navy TimesUS Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the U.S. Navy plans to power Naval Station Norfolk using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier this summer. The initiative is part of a pilot program to demonstrate the capability of delivering firm, baseload power from a Ford-class carrier to a compatible shore installation for energy resilience and mission assurance. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently returned from a 322-day deployment. Cao also suggested the carrier's power could be used for military bases or to supply fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to those of the Army and Air Force, calling for an end to 'dithering' on the issue.
Marine Corps TimesUS Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
The US Navy, under Acting Secretary Hung Cao, plans to test powering Naval Station Norfolk using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, likely the USS Gerald R. Ford, this summer. The initiative aims to demonstrate energy resilience and mission assurance by exporting power from a Ford-class carrier to a shore installation. Cao also suggested potential applications like powering military bases or supplying fresh water to drought-stricken areas. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle called for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, emphasizing the need to stop 'dithering' and leverage the Navy's nuclear expertise.
Marine Corps TimesUS Navy to test powering shore installations with nuclear aircraft carrier
The US Navy plans to pilot a program this summer at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will export energy to the shore installation. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the initiative during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing, highlighting potential applications such as powering military bases or providing fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently completed a historic 322-day deployment. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a dedicated Navy reactor pilot program, similar to existing Army and Air Force efforts, to leverage the Navy's expertise in nuclear reactor physics and safe operation. The initiative aims to enhance energy resilience and mission assurance for critical shore installations.
Defense NewsUS Navy to test powering shore installations with nuclear aircraft carrier
The U.S. Navy plans to pilot a program this summer at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will export energy to power the shore installation. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao revealed the initiative during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing, highlighting potential applications such as fixing military bases or supplying fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently completed a historic 322-day deployment. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, urging an end to 'dithering' on small modular reactor development.
Military TimesUS Navy to test powering shore installations with nuclear aircraft carrier
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy will pilot a program to power Naval Station Norfolk using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, likely the USS Gerald R. Ford. The initiative aims to demonstrate energy resilience and mission assurance by exporting power from the carrier to the shore installation. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy small modular reactor (SMR) pilot program, similar to existing Army and Air Force programs, and called for an end to 'dithering.' The test is planned for later this year. Cao also suggested broader applications, such as powering military bases or providing fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California.
Navy TimesUS Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy plans to conduct a pilot program this summer to power Naval Station Norfolk using electricity from a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, likely the USS Gerald R. Ford. The initiative aims to demonstrate the capability to provide firm, baseload power to shore installations for energy resilience and mission assurance. Cao also suggested the carrier's power could be used for disaster relief or supplying fresh water to drought-stricken areas. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to those of the Army and Air Force, calling for an end to 'dithering' on the issue.
Marine Corps TimesUS Navy to test powering shore installations with nuclear aircraft carrier
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy will pilot a program to power Naval Station Norfolk using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, likely the USS Gerald R. Ford. The initiative aims to demonstrate the capability to provide firm, baseload power to shore installations for energy resilience and mission assurance. A Navy spokesperson confirmed the test is planned for later this year. Cao also suggested the carrier's power could be used for disaster relief or supplying fresh water. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, urging an end to 'dithering' on small modular reactor development.
Military TimesUS Navy to Test Powering Shore Installations with Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
The U.S. Navy plans to conduct a pilot program this summer at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will export energy to power the shore installation. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao revealed the initiative during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing, stating the goal is to demonstrate the capability to meet emergent, mission-critical needs. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently completed a historic 322-day deployment. A Navy spokesperson confirmed the multi-pronged strategy for energy resilience. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, calling for an end to 'dithering.' Potential applications include fixing military bases and supplying fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California.
Defense NewsUS Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that the US Navy plans to pilot a program this summer at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where a Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will export energy to power the shore installation. The initiative aims to demonstrate energy resilience and mission assurance by providing baseload power to military bases. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently completed a historic 322-day deployment. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, calling for an end to 'dithering' on small modular reactor (SMR) development. Cao also suggested the technology could be used to fix bases or supply fresh water to drought-stricken areas like California.
Navy TimesUS Navy to explore powering shore installations with aircraft carriers
The U.S. Navy plans to test powering a shore installation using a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier this summer. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced during a May 14 House Armed Services Committee hearing that Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia will be part of a pilot program to export energy from a carrier to the base. A Navy spokesperson confirmed the plan, stating it is part of a multi-pronged strategy for energy resilience and mission assurance. The likely vessel is the USS Gerald R. Ford, the only active Ford-class carrier. Cao suggested the technology could also be used to power military bases or provide fresh water to drought-stricken areas. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for a Navy reactor pilot program similar to Army and Air Force efforts, calling for an end to 'dithering' on the initiative.
Defense NewsSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to shore facilities, specifically Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test before the House Armed Services Committee on May 14. The Ford-class carrier, with two A1B nuclear reactors rated at approximately 700 MWt each, will export energy to the base as part of a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure critical military installations remain operational after attacks or natural disasters. While using ships for shore power is not new, leveraging a supercarrier's immense generation capacity opens new operational and disaster relief possibilities. The Ford recently returned from a record 326-day deployment that included operations related to Venezuela and Iran.
The War ZoneSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide emergency electrical power to shore facilities, specifically Naval Station Norfolk. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test before the House Armed Services Committee on May 14. The Ford, with two A1B nuclear reactors rated at approximately 700 MWt each, would export energy to the base as part of a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure mission-critical installations remain operational after attacks or natural disasters. While using ships for shore power is not new, leveraging a Ford-class carrier's immense generation capacity opens new operational and disaster relief possibilities. The test follows the Ford's record 326-day deployment, the longest for a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War.
The War ZoneSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to shore facilities, specifically Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test before the House Armed Services Committee, highlighting a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure critical bases remain operational after attacks or natural disasters. The Ford-class carrier, with its two A1B nuclear reactors (each estimated at 700 MWt), already functions as a floating city with a crew of 4,000-5,000. While using ships to supply power ashore is not new, leveraging a supercarrier's nuclear reactors for this purpose could enhance operational flexibility and disaster relief capabilities. The test is part of a multi-pronged Navy strategy for energy resilience and mission assurance.
The War ZoneSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to shore facilities, specifically Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on May 14, 2026. The initiative is part of a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure critical bases maintain power after attacks or natural disasters. The Ford-class carrier, with its two A1B nuclear reactors (each rated at approximately 700 MWt), already functions as a floating city with a crew of 4,000-5,000. While using ships for shore power is not new, leveraging a supercarrier's nuclear reactors could enhance operational flexibility and disaster relief capabilities. The test follows the Ford's record 326-day deployment, the longest for a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War.
The War ZoneSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to shore facilities, specifically Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test before the House Armed Services Committee on May 14, 2026. The Ford-class carrier, with its two A1B nuclear reactors (combined rating of approximately 1,400 MWt), will export energy to the base as part of a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure critical military installations remain operational after attacks or natural disasters. The test follows the Ford's record 326-day deployment, the longest for a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War, which included support for operations in Venezuela and combat against Iran. Using ships for shore power is not new, but leveraging a supercarrier's nuclear capacity opens new operational and disaster relief possibilities.
The War ZoneSupercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford To Act As Floating Nuclear Power Plant For Facilities On Land
The U.S. Navy plans to demonstrate this summer that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford can provide electricity to shore installations, specifically Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the test during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on May 14. The initiative is part of a broader Pentagon strategy to ensure critical bases maintain power after attacks or natural disasters. The Ford-class carrier, with its two A1B nuclear reactors (combined estimated 1,400 MWt), already functions as a floating city for up to 5,000 personnel. While using ships for shore power is not new, leveraging a supercarrier's nuclear reactors could enhance operational resilience and disaster relief capabilities. The Ford recently completed a record 326-day deployment, the longest for a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War.
The War Zone