USA

Watch: World's biggest warship USS Gerald R Ford visits Norway

Watch: The US Navy's newest and most advanced aircraft carrier Gerald R Ford arrives in Norway.

The US Navy's "newest and most advanced aircraft carrier", the USS Gerald R Ford, has arrived in Norway – the first time a US aircraft carrier has visited the country in 65 years.

The world's biggest warship arrived in Oslo for a scheduled port visit which, according to the US Navy, is the capital ship's first stop while deployed to the US Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) area of operations.

And it "provides an opportunity to enhance the US-Norway partnership, marking the first time a US aircraft carrier has visited Norway in 65 years", the navy said.

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram, during his visit to the ship, said: "This is Norway's security. It is a clear expression of the security guarantees we have through Nato, not least the close co-operation and partnership we have with the United States."

In a statement the US Navy said: "Prior to arriving, the Gerald R Ford Strike Group (GRFCSG) integrated His Norwegian Majesty's Ship (HNoMS) Roald Amundsen (F311) as the GRFCSG Surface Warfare Commander, building collective operational experience at-sea and showcasing a powerful display of the US Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy's interoperability."

Rear Admiral Erik J Eslich, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 12, said: "Norway is a strategic partner in the continued efforts to maintain a secure and stable Arctic and North Atlantic region that benefits global order.

"We are committed to our Nato ally and fostering our strong relationship built on a foundation of shared values, experiences, and vision."

In November, Forces News went on board the US' brand new aircraft carrier, which was moored in the Solent, near Portsmouth, at the time.

Watch: Onboard the US's most advanced aircraft carrier the USS Gerald R Ford.

During the Oslo visit, the US ship will host local officials and key leaders for a reception to honour the partnership between the US and Norway.

Additionally, according to the US Navy: "Sailors will experience the rich heritage of Oslo through community relations events and have the opportunity to visit popular cultural and historical landmarks around the city."

Gerald R Ford deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, on 2 May and has been conducting joint and combined training, exercises, and operations to help reduce maritime security risks associated with increased activity in the High North – the territories of Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, located throughout the Arctic beyond the Polar Circle.

"As the first-in-class ship of Ford-class aircraft carriers, CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the US Navy's capacity to project power on a global scale," the navy added.