US EditionNavy's Newest Aircraft Carrier Begins Sea Trials
Builder's sea trials test key ship systems at sea for the first time before USS John F. Kennedy is delivered to the Navy in early 2027, marking a major construction milestone.
- On January 28, 2026, USS John F. Kennedy departed Newport News Shipbuilding, launched by Huntington Ingalls Industries to begin builder's sea trials as the second ship named for John F. Kennedy.
- A 2020 Navy decision to finish systems like Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II capability in a single phase and technical integration problems on USS Gerald R. Ford, lead ship of the class, extended Kennedy's schedule.
- These builder's trials will test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time, while Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News division oversees evaluations and identifies additional work items before Navy acceptance.
- Kennedy is on track to deliver in early 2027, with some reports targeting March 2027, and successful trials are required before U.S. Navy acceptance and subsequent testing.
- The program incorporated lessons from the lead ship, as the Kennedy's build folded USS Gerald R. Ford program lessons into later work, while front-loading of work altered delivery timelines and program cost and technical issues dating from 2013 shaped decisions.
20 Articles
20 Articles
100,000 Ton New Navy Ford-Class Supercarrier USS John F. Kennedy Just Left Port for Sea Trials
The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, has departed Newport News for its first builder’s sea trials—testing core ship systems at sea ahead of Navy delivery. The trials will help validate key Ford-class technologies such as EMALS catapults, Advanced Arresting Gear, and advanced weapons elevators, along with propulsion, navigation, and overall reliability. After multiple schedule setbacks, Navy budget docu…
The US Navy's next Ford-class supercarrier is setting sail for a new test at sea
The USS John F. Kennedy launched out of Newport News on Wednesday.Courtesy of Huntington Ingalls IndustriesThe US Navy's next Ford-class aircraft carrier started builder trials.USS John F. Kennedy is the second in class and expected to be delivered to the Navy in March 2027.The trials will allow the builder to test out the vessel at sea for the first time.The USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier is setting sail for a new test at sea, specificall…
Carrier John F. Kennedy Gets Underway for First Time Ahead of Builder's Trials
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, went to sea for the first time on Wednesday. John F. Kennedy left Newport News, Va., for builder’s trials. “John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) departed HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division today to undergo builder’s sea trials,” HII spokesman Todd Corillo told USNI News in a statement. “These trials will test important ship systems and components at sea for the fir…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
