USS John F. Kennedy begins final tests for Navy delivery

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the second nuclear-powered supercarrier of the Gerald R. Ford class, has begun its final acceptance testing. After departing the Huntington Ingalls Industries facility in Newport News, Virginia, the vessel will undergo rigorous maritime evaluations to verify the functionality of its primary components.

This phase is the final critical assessment before the ship is officially transferred to the U.S. Navy, a transition currently expected in March 2027. The vessel is designed to be compatible with F-35C fighter jets upon its operational debut in 2028.

Delivery of the carrier has been delayed by approximately one year due to technical complications involving advanced weapon elevators and the advanced arresting system used to stop landing aircraft. While seven of the eleven weapon elevators are currently operational, allowing for crew training and ammunition access, it remains uncertain if the remaining four will be fully functional by the delivery date.