Major milestone: US Navy’s newest Ford-class aircraft carrier completes first tests at sea (PHOTOS)

February 5, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has completed builder’s sea trials of USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

As informed, Kennedy returned to NNS after testing important ship systems and components at sea for the first time. The sea trials brought together NNS shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors and navy personnel to execute the testing and demonstrate ship operations.

“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of the world’s finest shipbuilders,” said Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs.

“Our nation is depending on us to deliver these critical assets that will protect freedom around the world and we’re proud to see CVN 79 take another step toward joining the fleet.”

USS John F. Kennedy is the second aircraft carrier of the US Navy’s Ford class. The ship incorporates a range of class-wide enhancements, including modifications to the flight deck, improved weapons handling systems, and a redesigned island, all aimed at increasing aircraft sortie generation rates.

The Ford class also introduces new nuclear propulsion plants and significantly greater electrical power-generation capacity, providing margin for future technologies. These advances, combined with greater automation, are intended to reduce sailor workload, enable a smaller crew, and lower long-term operating costs.

Construction of Ford-class carriers has benefited from workforce experience gained during the build of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), with lessons learned being applied across the class.