The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was in Oslo on 12 September 2025 for a planned port visit..

Prior to his arrival in Oslo, Gerald R. Ford operated in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea, while the guided-missile destroyers USS "Mahan" (DDG 72) and USS "Bainbridge" (DDG 96) of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Arleigh Burke conducted joint operations in the Arctic Circle with the frigate HNoMS "Thor Heyerdahl" (F 314) of the Fridtjof Nansen class of the Royal Norwegian Navy and the replenishment oiler HNoMS "Maud" (A 530). The German "Hamburg" (F220) and the French Navy's frigate FS "Aquitaine" (D 650) with the Durance-class command and supply tanker FS "Somme" (A 631) also took part.

"When the USS Gerald R. Ford entered the Oslo Fjord in 2023, it was the first US aircraft carrier to do so in 65 years. Since then, we have welcomed the USS Harry S. Truman and now look forward to seeing the crew of the Gerald R. Ford again," said Said. Eric Myer, Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim. "These visits are not just symbolic. The presence of this aircraft carrier battle group in Norwegian waters, training with allied forces, is an example of our commitment to joint security. This ship, the largest of its kind on Earth, has travelled thousands of miles, including narrow straits and difficult seas, to be here today to send a message of America's commitment to our allies," said Captain Dave Skarosi, commanding officer of the Gerald R. Ford. "Our ship visited Oslo on its maiden deployment in 2023, and we are privileged to return. The city of Oslo holds a special place in the history and future of Gerald R. Ford."

The Royal Norwegian Navy accompanied the USN carrier during its passage of the Oslo Fjord with the SES corvette HNMOS Skjold (P 960) and the offshore patrol boat HNMOS Nornen (W 330). The Royal Norwegian Air Force deployed BELL 412 helicopters for security measures.

Text / Photos: Michael Nitz