Construction of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford got its official kickoff Saturday with a keel-laying ceremony at the shipyard where the $7 billion nuclear-powered ship is being assembled.

The 38th president's daughter, Susan Ford Bales, declared the keel "truly and fairly laid" at an authentication ceremony attended by congressmen, dignitaries and shipworkers at Northrop
Grumman Shipbuilding's shipyard. (less info)