Building the aircraft carrier for the 21st century will require 21st century facilities. Here’s a look at some of the capital investments Northrop Grumman is making to enable the Ford class of aircraft carrier to be the best and most efficiently built ship ever.

• Heavy Plate Bay Facility: An addition to the Steel Fabrication Shop provides space (about an acre) for new burning equipment and a 5,000-ton press needed to process thick plate structures for the Ford class. The Heavy Plate Bay Facility provides Newport News’ fabrication shop capabilities not previously available.

• Covered Modular Assembly Facility (CMAF), Covered Modular Outfitting Facility (CMOF) and Unit Assembly Facility (UAF): These facilities will allow employees to work under cover, uninterrupted by the weather, and will house additional cranes to build pre-outfitting units to a higher degree of completion than all previous carriers.

  -The CMAF, a 3-acre facility, is designed to support the assembly and outfitting of steel modules for CVN 21 and will boast two 100-ton cranes, a 50-ton crane and wide-access doors.

  -The CMOF, a 1.2-acre facility on the final assembly platen adjacent to Dry Dock 12, will feature rolling roofs that will allow units to be lifted out of the building and into the dry dock.

  -The UAF, a half-acre facility with one 25-ton bridge crane and two 12-ton cranes, will feature a clean room and component preparation area.

• 900-Ton Crane Upgrade: Newport News’ signature 900-ton crane will be upgraded to lift 1,050 tons, allowing for larger, heavier lifts and a much more efficient build strategy. Thicker plating, more early outfitting and larger units will make the units for the Ford class heavier than Nimitz-class units.

• Pier 3: A new pier will support outfitting and testing for new construction and overhaul. Its multi-level design will provide space for a tool room and drawing vaults as well as enclosed work spaces for engineers, planners and trades personnel.