The $13 billion lead ship of a new class of advanced US Navy aircraft carriers is about to finally set sail on its first deployment after years of costly setbacks and delays that have at times made it the target of fierce criticism.

The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which was commissioned over five years ago and has been over a decade in the making, will deploy for the first time next week on a short, service-retained deployment, Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer, US 2nd Fleet commander, told reporters.

During the Ford’s time deployed at sea, thousands of personnel, 17 ships, one submarine, and at least 60 aircraft from nine countries will participate in military exercises in the Atlantic, an area of increasing strategic significance.

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The deployment to the Atlantic will come amid heightened tensions between the US and Russia and growing competition at sea. The Navy reestablished 2nd Fleet just four years ago to address emerging challenges in the region.

Read more: yahoo