USS Gerald Ford continues journey along Norwegian coast after leaving Oslo

– We can confirm that the boat is about to leave Oslo, and the journey is now continuing along the Norwegian coast, spokesman Jonny Karlsen at the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters told Dagbladet.

Several tugboats and vessels from the Norwegian Defense Forces are in place to follow the aircraft carrier out of the Oslo Fjord.

The ship has been lying on the south side of Malmøya in the Bunnefjord since Wednesday and is scheduled to head north along the Norwegian coast.

According to NRK the US Navy’s largest and newest vessel will participate in the Arctic Challenge Exercise in the Vesterålen area.

– The plan of the Americans governs the Americans. Our plans with them are to train a lot with the aircraft carrier’s defense group. The army, air and navy forces and the special forces have planned to train a lot with them, says Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen to the channel.

Spokesperson Jonny Karlsen at the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters tells Dagbladet that at the moment they do not want to go into detail about where the ship is going and what it is going to do.

– Several exercises are planned together with the army, the air force, the navy and the special forces of the defense while the ship is still in Norway, he says, however.

Reminder of rules

Karlsen also has a reminder for spectators on the spot.

– We remind you that the same restrictions apply when sailing out of the Oslo Fjord as when sailing in, when it comes to how close you can be to this aircraft carrier and the other military vessels, he says.

He sums up:

– Boat operators must stay at least 500 meters away from the aircraft carrier. Today is the second Whitsunday, so there are probably many people who want to go out on the fjord and watch this. But this is to safeguard the safety – of the vessel, and not least of all the public.

Where it is not possible to keep a distance of 500 metres, the public must not stay between the aircraft carrier and the escorting vessels.

– There is also a prohibited area at a height of 3,000 feet, which is also important to deal with in terms of drones and aircraft.

Heavy attacks against several cities

– Keep your distance

In connection with the American warship now leaving Oslo, many spectators have gathered in Oslo, including on Malmøya and along the E18, says Tore Solberg, operations manager at the Oslo Police.

– We have now received word that there are particularly many people at Ljan station, Solberg tells Dagbladet.

In addition, there are many boats out on the fjord, according to the operations manager.

– I see there are a lot of vessels out at sea, and I hope they show good seamanship and keep a good distance, says Solberg.

– What is your appeal to people who stay at the lake now?

– Enjoy the view and keep your distance, it’s probably a question of whether this ship will return soon, replies the operations manager.

This means the resistance flag of the Russians

– Last chance

Several people have gathered at Mosseveien in Nordstand who want to use the last chance to see the American warship in Oslo.

Dagbladet meets, among others, Eng, who has brought his family to see the ship.

– It is the last chance, he says to Dagbladet, and says that they have been planning the trip for several days.

He is positive about the big American visit.

– Here we see support from America, says Eng.

Helgat and Karsten have also brought some friends from Germany with them to see the massive ship leave Oslo.

The couple themselves made the trip to see the ship last week, but despite the circumstances, they thought it was worth showing off the aircraft carrier to their friends.

– It is very special. It’s not often you see a boat like this, says Karsten.

– It’s a huge giant of a ship. So it’s in a way impressive, in that sense, Helgat follows up.