USS John F. Kennedy completes acceptance trials

The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second aircraft carrier of the Gerald R. Ford class, has successfully completed its acceptance trials. The four-day underway period off the Atlantic Coast involved rigorous testing of critical operational systems to ensure the vessel meets contract specifications and that the crew is prepared for sea operations.

The ship is currently 98% complete. Following these trials, the vessel will move toward preliminary acceptance, which allows the U.S. Navy to begin underway testing and evaluation of unique systems. While the crew gains operational proficiency, the prime contractor, Newport News Shipbuilding of HII, will continue work on the remaining four advanced weapons elevators. Final delivery to the Navy is expected in the spring of 2027.