NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Sept. 25, 2019) Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper observes the operation of USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) advanced weapons elevators (AWE) with Capt. John J. Cummings, Ford’s commanding officer, during a visit to the ship. Esper visited Ford to see first-hand the progress the ship is making during its post-shakedown availability and to speak directly with Ford and Navy leadership. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Melvin)