The world’s largest warship USS “Gerald R. Ford” is on its first ever operational cruise, and Oslo is the first port to be visited.
According to Barents Watch/Kystverket, the aircraft carrier has a speed of around 8 knots. The ship is now approaching Oslo.
When the giant ship arrives in the capital, around 4,500 American soldiers will be stationed in the capital.
The aircraft carrier will lay down deep in the Oslo Fjord, but not right next to the quay. Shuttle ferries will transport the crew in and out to the ship almost around the clock.
After the stay in Oslo, the course is set for arctic waters, TV 2 has been informed. Commander Burgess confirmed that the aircraft carrier is heading north.
Here you can follow the position of the warship:
Have you spotted the giant ship on its way into the Oslo Fjord? Feel free to tell us about your experience!
Security policy marking
The USS “Gerald R. Ford” is the largest warship ever built and can accommodate around 90 fighter jets and Seahawk helicopters.
Head teacher Steffen Øverland at the Naval Academy told TV 2 on Tuesday that it is never a coincidence where an aircraft carrier sails.
He referred to the visit as a clear expression that the US has a security policy interest in deterring Russia.
General and former chief of defense Sverre Diesen, on the other hand, believes that it should be seen as an American marking of presence in Europe, and not place too much emphasis on the fact that it is Norway in particular.
– Such a large warship of this type will always have to be perceived as a security policy signal, and the northern waters of course have strategic importance, he says to TV 2.
NATURAL PORT: Former defense chief Sverre Diesen says Oslo is a natural port for the American warship to show its presence in Northern Europe. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
– Many say it is no coincidence that Oslo is the first port. What is your assessment of it being the first stop on this tour?
– I don’t think we should read any special security policy significance into the fact that it is exactly Oslo, says Diesen.
– It is clear that the Americans are sending a signal about their presence in Europe, and their desire to be present, when they send this ultra-modern large aircraft carrier here.
– But they send it to one of Russia’s closest neighbours?
– Yes, they do. But again, I don’t think we should read too much into it. After all, they could have sent it to any major European port.
– The fact that they are in the northern sea area can have a meaning, but without me thinking that we will dramatize it in any way, says Diesen.
The police with a clear message
A number of security measures have been put in place in connection with the visit. Military prohibition areas are established which the Armed Forces will enforce.
The Oslo Police District has a good dialogue with the Armed Forces in connection with the visit, and must contribute to security.
Operations manager Gjermund Stokkli has a clear message for people along the Oslofjord.
– The police ask the public to respect the restriction zones around the vessel, as it is defined as a military restricted area and violations of this may result in a report.
– Spectators in the traffic along the Oslo Fjord are asked to avoid creating dangerous traffic situations or creating queues.
These are the restrictions for the Armed Forces:
- Boat operators must stay 500 meters away from the aircraft carrier when sailing in and out.
- Where it is not possible to keep a distance of 500 metres, the public must not stay between the aircraft carrier and the escorting vessels and boats.
- At anchor, the distance to the aircraft carrier is 1,000 metres.
- Restricted areas in the air are up to 3000 feet altitude.
- The prohibited area at Søndre Akershuskaia is clearly marked.
The restrictions came into effect at midnight on the night of Wednesday and will last for six days, until midnight on the night of Tuesday.
Diesen: Natural harbour
The Russian embassy in Oslo has described the American visit as a harmful demonstration of power.
– There are no questions in the north that require a military solution, nor topics where outside intervention is needed, Timur Chekanov told NTB at the embassy on Tuesday.
Diesen emphasizes that he does not think it is wise to overinterpret what signal the visit sends to Russia.
– Why not?
– No, simply because there is no basis for it. The Americans come to Norway and Oslo. Its natural. It is at least not unnatural if they are going to a northern European port.
