announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has successfully completed the builder’s sea trials for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). The vessel, the second ship in the Gerald R. Ford class of nuclear-powered carriers, has returned to the shipyard in Virginia following the comprehensive at-sea testing period.
The multi-day trials represented a critical milestone in the ship’s construction, marking the first time that Kennedy’s key systems and components were tested in an operational maritime environment. The rigorous assessment involved a coordinated effort between NNS shipbuilders, the ship’s crew of future Kennedy sailors, and representatives from the U.S. Navy. The team conducted a series of demonstrations to validate the performance and integration of the carrier’s propulsion, combat, and damage control systems.
“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of the world’s finest shipbuilders,” said Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs. “Our nation is depending on us to deliver these critical assets that will protect freedom around the world and we’re proud to see CVN 79 take another step toward joining the fleet.”
The Gerald R. Ford-class carriers are engineered to be the premier naval aviation assets for the 21st century. Kennedy incorporates significant advancements over its predecessors, including a new nuclear power plant designed for greater energy output, an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) to replace traditional steam catapults, and advanced arresting gear. These features are designed to increase sortie generation rates, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the overall manning requirements compared to the previous Nimitz-class carriers.
The successful completion of builder’s sea trials validates the extensive design and construction work accomplished at Newport News Shipbuilding. Kennedy is now poised to proceed with the remaining construction, testing, and post-delivery availability periods before its official delivery to the U.S. Navy. As a critical component of the future carrier fleet, CVN 79 will carry on the legacy of its namesake, the 35th President of the United States, ensuring the Navy’s ability to project power and maintain maritime superiority worldwide.
