“Hello Italy! We are thrilled to be in Trieste!” – The crew of the “USS Gerald R. Ford” posted these words on Facebook on Sunday. The largest warship in the world has arrived in the Gulf of Trieste and is expected to be anchored there for five days, around 170 kilometers from Klagenfurt. The aircraft carrier, which can carry up to 75 fighters, recently participated in NATO exercises in Norway, Greece and Turkey.
“The visit of the USS Ford to Trieste is a sign of the strong relationship between the United States and Italy,” said U.S. Ambassador to Italy John Phillips. It is a great opportunity for Trieste to showcase its hospitality and culture, adds mayor Roberto Dipiazza.
In Italy, the huge ship is also seen as a tourist attraction © Private
Joy and criticism
The visit should also bring something to the city in economic terms. After all, the crew of the “USS Gerald R. Ford” includes more than 4,500 sailors who will also disembark. And the world’s largest warship is expected to be a tourist magnet in the coming days. But not everyone is excited about the colossus’ presence. Around a hundred people took part in a protest march in Trieste on Sunday. “On the occasion of the arrival of the Ford aircraft carrier, we demonstrate against the war that NATO, the United States and our country are fomenting in Ukraine”, said the protesters, who called on the crew to weigh anchor and abandon Italy.
The “USS Gerald R. Ford” near Miramare Castle © Tschida/KLZ
Two nuclear reactors
The “USS Gerald R. Ford” is considered the most modern aircraft carrier in the world. The 337-meter-long ship, powered by two nuclear reactors, is named after the 38th President of the USA. It entered service in 2017. The $13 billion aircraft carrier has repeatedly faced technical problems.