USS John F. Kennedy Embarks on Sea Trials Amid Delivery Date Shift
The USS John F. Kennedy, the second Ford-class aircraft carrier, has set sail for sea trials from Newport News Shipbuilding, marking a significant milestone in its testing phase. Delays in delivery date and modifications to accommodate F-35C aircraft have been key factors impacting the ship’s progress.
The USS John F. Kennedy, CVN 79, commenced sea trials on 28 January, as confirmed by Newport News Shipbuilding. These trials serve to test crucial ship systems and components at sea for the first time, a critical step towards its eventual deployment.
Originally slated for delivery in July 2025, the USS John F. Kennedy’s delivery date has been pushed back to March 2027. This delay is attributed to the need for Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) certification and ongoing Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) work, as outlined in the USN fiscal year 2026 budget request.
The USS John F. Kennedy, a prominent Ford-class carrier, is undergoing sea trials after departing Newport News Shipbuilding. The ship’s CEO, Chris Kastner, highlighted the progress made in its testing program, with the delivery date now set for March 2027 due to certification and modification requirements. Congressional demands for F-35C aircraft accommodations have also contributed to delays in the ship’s completion.
Carrier John F. Kennedy Delivery Delayed 2 Years, Fleet Will Drop to 10 Carriers
By focusing on the USS John F. Kennedy’s sea trials, delivery date rescheduling, and the impact of F-35C aircraft modifications, this article offers a comprehensive overview of the recent developments concerning this Ford-class carrier. The title “USS John F. Kennedy Embarks on Sea Trials Amid Delivery Date Shift” captures the essence of these key updates in a concise and engaging manner.
