He joined the Navy as a third assistant engineer in 1862 and served throughout the Civil War, taking part in the recapture of Baton Rouge and the Battle of Mobile Bay. In 1864 he was a first assistant engineer and by 1890 was promoted to Chief Engineer.
In 1898, Ford took part in the actions of 1 May and 31 August at Manila Bay. Promoted to rear admiral, he retired in 1902, and died at New York on 9 April 1918.