Washington, DC - Today, Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement on the commissioning of the USS Gerald Ford:

“It has been over eight years since the commissioning of a U.S. aircraft carrier. While there have been setbacks along the way, I am pleased to see the USS Gerald R. Ford enter the fleet. This is by far the most advanced and capable aircraft carrier in the world and it will have an immediate impact on the strength of the Navy. I look forward to visiting her sometime soon and I congratulate the crew.”