Rialto Sailor Serves Aboard Navy's Newest Carrier

A 2002 Eisenhower High School graduate and Rialto native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Coleman is a hospital corpsman aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia. A Navy hospital corpsman is responsible for supervising the medical department as well as x-raying exams for the sailors. “My favorite thing about my job is taking care of the sailors,” said Coleman. Named after the 38th president, Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the Ford-class aircraft carrier is 1,092 feet long and hosts a wide array of quality of life improvements and state-of-the-art upgrades from a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. New technology, including a new reactor plant, propulsion systems, electric plant, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), advanced arresting gear and integrated warfare systems enables the Navy to operate the ship with less manpower, contributing to the Navy saving approximately $4 billion in total ownership costs over the ship’s 50‐year life when compared to NIMITZ-class. “The best thing about the Ford is being a part of a team that will create a multiple- generation legacy,” said Coleman. Approximately 170 officers and 2,000 enlisted men and women make up the ship's company, each highly specialized and operating in a number of jobs ranging from managing shipboard telecommunications networks and damage control systems to maintaining machinery and weapons. With more than 40 new or modified systems, Ford Sailors are unique in their training as many are among the first in the Fleet to train on and operate the ship’s cutting edge technology. The crew continues to explore innovative training solutions as Sailors prepare to take ownership of equipment and systems from contractors and shipbuilders. "The true weapon system of this ship is the crew,” said Capt. John F. Meier, Gerald R. Ford’s Commanding Officer. “Our Sailors are earning quite an impressive reputation on the waterfront for our passion, enthusiasm and dedication. There is no doubt this is a crew that is well led, trained and wholly committed to bringing this great ship into service.” While Ford has yet to conduct its first mission abroad, those serving aboard this ship will experience things that most Sailors don’t get to, being a part of a the ship’s initial crew. The crew must be highly motivated and adapt quickly to changing conditions to ensure the ship is ready to defend America at all times when called upon. There are high expectations for this ship and its Sailors; however, the crew is thriving under pressure. “Since joining the Navy, I have grown as a man, person, and a shipmate,” said Coleman. “I went from a 19-year-old kid to a father, husband and leader.” As a member of the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, Coleman and other Ford Sailors are excited to be a part of the crew that will take this advanced war-fighting vessel on its first voyage to protect this country on the world’s oceans.