World’s largest aircraft carrier operates in Arctic waters

September 9, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG), led by the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), conducted routine operations in the High North region with maritime forces Maritime Command (MARCOM) and NATO partners Norway, Germany, and France.

USS Gerald R. Ford, a first-in-class nuclear aircraft carrier and deployed flagship of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, is on a scheduled deployment in the US 6th Fleet area of operations.

A surface action group (SAG), including USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and USS Mahan (DDG 72), was joined by the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) and the French Navy’s frigate FS Aquitaine (D 650) operating under national authorities and the Sachsen-class frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) operating under MAROM Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.

The SAG transited Southeast of Svalbard off the Northern coast of Norway and conducted various operations supported by coalition auxiliary ships USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), HNoMS Maud (A 530) and FS Somme (A 631).

Additionally, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) conducted flight operations and strike exercises in the Norwegian Sea in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The operations were conducted from August 23 until September 8, 2025.

“What we’re doing is a building block on the last three years of our U.S. Carrier Strike Groups’ work off the coast of Norway and in the High North seas with the Royal Norwegian Navy. This consistent teamwork has fostered a strong and enduring relationship between our two navies,” said Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve.

“Our mutual understanding of each other’s naval priorities, perspectives, and methods ensures efficient and effective work whenever we operate together.”

“We are thrilled to work alongside our friends and Allies as we take on the challenge of ensuring peace and freedom are shared by all traversing our waterways,” said Royal Norwegian Navy Cmdr. Lars Ole Hoknes, commander of Thor Heyerdahl.

Last month, USS Gerald R. Ford transited the Strait of Dover together with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96).

World’s largest aircraft carrier transits Strait of Dover

Vessels

In July 2024, the US Department of Defense released the 2024 DoD Arctic Strategy, the fourth iteration for the Department, which outlines the United States’ commitment to preserving the Arctic as a secure and stable region.

The strategy builds upon the 2022 National Security Strategy, the 2022 National Defense Strategy, and the 2022 National Strategy for the Arctic Region.