The U.S. Navy’s New 100,000 Ton Nuclear Supercarrier Just Sailed Out of Port and Will Be Armed with F-35 Fighters
The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the second vessel in the Gerald R. Ford-class of supercarriers, has officially commenced its manufacturer sea trials. This significant milestone took place on January 28, 2026, as the carrier set sail from Newport News, Virginia, marking a crucial step toward its anticipated delivery to the U.S. Navy in March 2027. The sea trials are designed to test and certify the carrier’s major systems and components, with oversight from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) personnel.
The importance of this development cannot be overstated. The U.S. Navy operates under a “rule of thirds,” which dictates that only a small fraction of its carrier fleet is deployed at any given time. This means that while one-third of the carriers are actively deployed, another third is preparing for deployment, and the remaining third is undergoing maintenance. With only 11 carriers in the fleet, this operational model often results in a shortage of available supercarriers. The introduction of CVN-79 is expected to alleviate some of this strain, providing much-needed support to the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Significance of the USS John F. Kennedy’s Trials
The USS John F. Kennedy’s sea trials are particularly noteworthy given the operational challenges faced by the Navy. Nuclear-powered supercarriers, such as CVN-79, require extensive maintenance and refueling every 25 years, which can sideline them for extended periods. For instance, the USS George Washington (CVN-73) was out of action for over 2,100 days during its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Such lengthy downtimes can exacerbate the operational strain on the Navy, especially when accidents or repairs are involved.
The Kennedy’s progress is a welcome development for the Navy, as it brings another 100,000-ton supercarrier closer to operational status. This advancement highlights the significant technological improvements made since the original USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), which was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier in the Navy. The new carrier will not only enhance the Navy’s ability to project power globally but also provide relief for the crews currently serving on operational carriers.
Comparative Overview: Old vs. New USS John F. Kennedy
The original USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) was commissioned in 1968 and served until its decommissioning in 2007. It was powered by conventional steam propulsion, featuring a displacement of approximately 82,655 tons and a crew complement of around 5,600 personnel. In contrast, the new USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) boasts a nuclear propulsion system with two A1B reactors, a displacement of about 100,000 tons, and a crew of approximately 4,297.
The new carrier is designed to accommodate a larger air wing, capable of launching 90 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, compared to the 80 aircraft capacity of its predecessor. Additionally, CVN-79 features advanced technologies such as Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS), which enhance its operational efficiency and capabilities.
Carrier John F. Kennedy Delivery Delayed 2 Years, Fleet Will Drop to 10 Carriers
As the USS John F. Kennedy progresses through its sea trials, it stands as a testament to the evolution of naval engineering and the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a robust and capable fleet. The successful completion of these trials will pave the way for its integration into the fleet, ultimately enhancing the Navy’s operational readiness and global presence.
