The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier is equipped with electromagnetic elevators which are so complex that in order to operate them, teams have to pass vigorous written and oral vigorous exams, before being allowed to run them.
According to US Navy’s statememt
Working to become qualified and licensed has become a friendly competition with many in the division as you must be licensed to operate the elevators.
The USS Ford has four ship-specific personnel features:
- elevator operator;
- safety observer;
- supervisor;
- maintenance technician.
For each of the above qualification standards, each sailor has to pass a written test and oral board, prior to be provided with a license.
The first one to be fully qualified as an elevator operator was Lt. Donny James, a weapons engineering officer who can now operate Upper Stage Weapons Elevator 3 (USWE-3).
He commented
I am proud of myself for being the first sailor ever qualified on this cutting-edge technology. USWE-3 was turned over [from the shipyard to the crew] on my birthday. This was a sense of accomplishment among us all and a great birthday present for me.
Up to now, only two out of USS Ford’s eleven weapon elevators are operating, but both of them in the upper stage. These civilian and military consultants specialize in electromagnetic systems, fabrication and production control, software, systems integration, and electrical engineering.
In addition to attempting to fix USS Ford’s equipment, they will also recommend ways to avoid similar problems with the next vessels in the Ford class, several of which are already under construction.
