Ford sailors enjoyed the opportunity to explore the town, and many volunteered their time participating in community outreach events to further strengthen the relationship between America and Canada. Ford Sailors volunteered in the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission thrift store program, Habitat for Humanity Restore, food distribution center, and a soccer match against Royal Canadian Sailors, which the Ford Sailors won in overtime after a series of penalty kicks.
“I wanted to give back to the community of Halifax,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Baules Telei, from Koror, Republic of Palau, assigned to Ford's (CVN 78) supply department, during his time helping Habitat for Humanity. “When I was growing up in The Republic of Palau, a seabee squadron did so much for us, such as building playgrounds, roads, and a school. Now that I’m in the Navy, I can do the same thing for others in need.”
The U.S. Embassy and Commander, U.S. Second Fleet co-hosted a reception aboard Ford during the port visit, which was attended by NATO allies and partners, including Germany, Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands.
“It is amazing the power of an aircraft carrier to bring people together even as it represents an incredible deterrent force,” said Vice Adm. Angus Topshee, commander, Royal Canadian Navy during the reception. “The Navy ships from so many NATO ally nations sailing into port with Ford and the ships that will work with Ford during her inaugural deployment are a testament to the power and commitment of the NATO alliance. They serve to ensure that we will uphold that rule-based international order and demonstrate that we are committed to defending freedom and democracy.”
With the Ford now departing Halifax, the crew looks forward to continuing international maritime exercises and operations with NATO allies and partners in the Atlantic Ocean.
For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook: @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram: @cvn78_grford, Twitter: @Warship_78 and DVIDS: https://www.dvids.net/CVN78, and LinkedIn: @uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78.