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USS Gerald R. Ford heads to sea for more tests

The Navy's newest aircraft carrier is undergoing more sea trials after spending 15 months at Newport News Shipbuilding.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The nation's newest aircraft carrier has headed out to sea for more tests after it underwent a series of upgrades and fixes at a Virginia shipyard.

The Navy said in a statement that the USS Gerald R. Ford departed Friday after spending 15 months at Newport News Shipbuilding.

RELATED: Testing continues on USS Ford's weapons elevators

The $13 billion carrier has drawn criticism from government watchdogs and members of Congress for delays and glitches involving its cutting-edge systems. But Navy officials and some experts have said problems are expected on the first ship in a new class.

Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer said in a statement that the USS Ford reached a "great milestone" but acknowledged there "is more work to do."

The ship is designed to carry a wider variety of aircraft with several hundred fewer sailors.

RELATED: Rep. Luria presses top Navy officials on readiness challenges, carrier deployment delays

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