USS John F. Kennedy Begins Sea Trials Amid Delivery Delays
The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Ford-class aircraft carrier, embarked on its sea trials on January 28, 2023. The departure from Newport News Shipbuilding marks a significant milestone in the vessel’s development, as it prepares to test critical systems and components at sea for the first time. Todd Corillo, a spokesperson for HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, confirmed the carrier’s departure, emphasizing the importance of these trials in assessing the ship’s operational capabilities.
The sea trials are a crucial phase in the ship’s testing program, which has faced several delays. During a third-quarter financial results call on October 30, 2022, Chris Kastner, CEO and president of HII, indicated that the shipbuilder had initially planned to commence the trials earlier. He stated, “CVN 79 Kennedy continues to make progress in its testing programme, and we expect to conduct the ship’s first sea trials around the end of the year.”
Delivery Timeline Adjustments and Challenges
The delivery date for the USS John F. Kennedy has been postponed to March 2027, a shift from the previously anticipated July 2025 timeline. This delay is attributed to the need for additional work on the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) certification and ongoing efforts related to the Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE). These adjustments were detailed in documents supporting the U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2026 budget request.
Originally, the delivery of the Kennedy was planned in two phases: first, the hull and its related systems, followed by the combat system-related work. However, the two phases have since been combined into a single delivery process. This change was prompted by Congress’s requirement for the carrier to accommodate F-35C aircraft, necessitating further modifications to the ship. As a result of these factors, the delivery timeline has continued to shift.
The USS John F. Kennedy’s sea trials represent a critical step in its journey toward operational readiness. With ongoing advancements and adjustments, the ship is poised to play a vital role in the U.S. Navy’s future capabilities.
