HII announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has completed acceptance sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The carrier returned to Newport News Shipbuilding after completing at-sea testing and evaluation of its systems and components. Earlier in 2026, Kennedy completed its builder’s sea trials.
Derek Murphy, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs, said:
"It is an honor to take Kennedy to sea to demonstrate the quality work and commitment by our shipbuilders. This critical set of sea trials is a testament to the entire nuclear shipbuilding enterprise and the work of thousands across our country to prepare CVN 79 to join the fleet."
The acceptance sea trials involved Newport News Shipbuilding shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors, and U.S. Navy personnel, who conducted extensive testing and evaluation of the carrier’s systems and operations.
With acceptance trials now complete, the next milestone is preliminary acceptance. This would enable the Navy to begin underway testing and evaluation of Kennedy’s systems as the carrier moves closer to joining the fleet.
John F. Kennedy incorporates several significant improvements over the Nimitz-class supercarriers. Let’s take a closer look at these advancements.
Source: Defense Updates
