World’s largest aircraft carrier transits Strait of Dover

August 19, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), has transited the Strait of Dover into the North Sea.

The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), passes the Cliffs of Dover in the English Channel, Aug. 17, 2025. Photo: US Navy

As disclosed, the ship 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), all assigned to Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG).

Historically known as the Dover Narrows, the Strait of Dover is the slimmest part of the English Channel and separates Great Britain from mainland Europe. It also delineates the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

Carrier Strike Group Twelve is on a scheduled deployment to the US 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality, and readiness of US Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was the last US carrier strike group to transit through the Strait of Dover on October 14, 2024.

“Gerald R. Ford’s agile transit through the Strait of Dover between England and France is a testament to our power projection capability that supports peace through strength,” said Capt. Dave Skarosi, commanding officer of Gerald R. Ford.

“A free and open maritime domain benefits all nations,” said Capt. Mark Lawrence, commodore of Destroyer Squadron Two, embarked aboard Gerald R. Force as the Sea Combat Commander.

“Our collective surface force’s transit into the North Sea demonstrates our resolve to strengthen peace, stability, and deterrence across the European continent.”

At the beginning of this month, USS Gerald R. Ford arrived in Marseille, France, for a scheduled port visit.

“The visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford to Marseille is symbolic of the Franco-American alliance,” said Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic.