USS John F. Kennedy completes sea trials ahead of 2027 delivery

The USS John F. Kennedy, the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, completed acceptance sea trials on August 15, 2026. Following preliminary acceptance by the shipbuilder HII, US Navy budget documents indicate the vessel is scheduled for delivery in March 2027.

The approaching commissioning of the John F. Kennedy has drawn comparisons to the HMS Prince of Wales, the flagship of the British Royal Navy. While the ships represent different scales of power projection, they reflect distinct naval design philosophies.

The Gerald R. Ford-class carrier is approximately 100,000 long tons, capable of carrying over 75 aircraft and supporting roughly 4,660 personnel. It utilizes the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear. In contrast, the Queen Elizabeth-class HMS Prince of Wales is smaller and employs a different aviation model, propulsion system, and crew structure.