Ep 3. Biggest Warship

In Build It Bigger season 1 episode 3, titled "Biggest Warship," viewers are taken on a journey to witness the construction of the world's largest warship. The episode begins by providing an overview of the design and construction process behind modern navy ships. The host and his team then travel to Mississippi, where they are granted access to the Ingalls Shipyards, one of the largest shipbuilding facilities in the world.

Once they arrive at the shipyard, the host meets with the engineers and shipbuilders responsible for the construction of the USS Gerald R. Ford, a new class of aircraft carrier that is set to be the largest and most technologically advanced warship ever built. The episode shows the various teams involved in the construction process, including welding and metalwork, electrical engineers, and ship designers.

As the host delves deeper into the construction process, he reveals some of the challenges the shipbuilders face. Because the USS Gerald R. Ford is so large, the team has to build it in sections before assembling the pieces together. This involves a high level of precision to ensure that the pieces fit together perfectly. The episode also highlights the importance of safety during the construction process, with workers having to adhere to strict safety protocols to avoid accidents.

Viewers get a glimpse of the impressive machinery used to build the ship, including a massive crane that can lift up to 2 million pounds. The host explains how this crane is crucial in moving the heavy sections of the warship into place. In addition to showcasing the impressive machinery used in the construction process, the episode also focuses on the human aspect of the project, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the workers involved in building the USS Gerald R. Ford.

As the ship nears completion, the host explores some of the high-tech features of the new aircraft carrier, which include a new type of catapult system that launches fighter jets off the deck at higher speeds and with greater precision than older systems. The host is also given a tour of the 1,000-bed hospital on board the ship, which is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by over 2,500 medical personnel.

Throughout the episode, the host provides historical context for the USS Gerald R. Ford, highlighting the role that aircraft carriers have played in American military strategy and how the new warship represents a significant advancement in naval technology. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and skill involved in constructing a warship of this size and scope.