USS John F. Kennedy begins sea trials for U.S. Navy delivery

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, has departed Newport News Shipbuilding to begin acceptance sea trials. These trials serve as the final major testing phase before the vessel is delivered to the fleet. During this period, the ship will undergo evaluations of its propulsion, weapons, and other critical systems at sea.

The Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey will assess the results to ensure the carrier meets all contract specifications. Following these trials and any necessary repairs, the ship is tentatively scheduled for delivery in March 2027, with fitting out expected to conclude by July 2027.

Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries, the project has faced delays due to the implementation of new technologies, including the Advanced Arresting Gear and a new weapons elevator system. The contract value for the carrier has reached nearly $13 billion. The Gerald R. Ford-class is designed to replace the older Nimitz-class carriers, utilizing a new reactor design that provides greater electrical power.