Successful testing moves the new naval craft toward its planned 2027 delivery.
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) has returned to Newport News Shipbuilding following completion of initial sea trials designed to test core ship systems and operations. The trials involved shipbuilders, U.S. Navy personnel, and sailors working together to assess performance at sea before further acceptance milestones. The carrier is the second vessel in the Gerald R. Ford class and is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in March 2027.
“Seeing this Navy-industry team take CVN 79 to sea for the first time was nothing short of thrilling,” said Rear Admiral Casey Moton, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of thousands of proud American workers across the maritime industrial base, we are one step closer to delivering another Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier to the fleet.”
The program has experienced multiple delays related to the integration and certification of new technologies, including advanced aircraft recovery and weapons-handling systems. The delayed delivery is expected to temporarily reduce the Navy’s active aircraft carrier fleet following the planned retirement of USS Nimitz.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Rear Admiral Moton and U.S. naval personnel overseeing the progress on the new aircraft carrier.
- For defense officials as they coordinate with Newport News Shipbuilding staff and sailors involved in testing and commissioning naval vessels.
- For service members who will operate and maintain complex naval systems.
Sources: USNI, Navy Times, Navy.mil
