Ford's 'Gun Boss' Thompson on New Carrier's Weapons Handling Capabilities

Cdr. John Thompson, USN, the USS Gerald R Ford's weapons officer or Gun Boss, discusses the new ship's weapons handling capabilities compared with earlier carriers he's served on during his three decade career. Col. James "Hondo" Geurts, USAF Ret., the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition invited a small group of reporters to travel aboard Ford on Jan. 27, 2020, as the ship conducted Aircraft Compatibility Testing off the Virginia coast.

[jlsmithdowntown]

Hey boss glad to see you guys are at sea... Haven't seen you walking the dogs lately...

[John-fecd]

Gun Boss. Amazing title. I would turn down promotions to not lose that title.

[jamesmterrell]

How in the world can you commission a ship if the weapons elevators are not built. Please, someone tell me what caused this situation. I suspect incompetence at NAVSEA, incompetence at Congress for funding, and suppliers for over promising.

[brookforeman]

30 years and he is juat a commander??? Musr have been enlisted for a fair bit of time at some point

[laohantun]

Woah....great...ofcause don't show...don't say it either...chi-na copy in no time....