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5d ago

Future USS John F. Kennedy Begins First Builder’s Sea Trials

The Navy now targets March 2027 delivery due to pending arresting gear certification alongside weapons elevator completion.

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), transits the Caribbean Sea during Carrier Air Wing 8’s aerial change of command ceremony, Jan. 19, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo)
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USS John F. Kennedy finally hits open seas in critical first test of next US supercarrier
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) being guided out of Newport News Shipbuilding by tugs to begin alpha sea trials. HII Image.

Overview

  • On January 28, 2026, the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) departed Newport News under its own power to start builder’s sea trials.
  • This first at-sea period tests core ship systems and components in open water before subsequent Navy acceptance trials.
  • Official budget documents list delivery in March 2027 after a slip from July 2025 to accommodate Advanced Arresting Gear certification and continued Advanced Weapons Elevator work.
  • CVN-79 debuts the AN/SPY-6(V)3 radar and carries EMALS, AAG, and Advanced Weapons Elevators, systems whose integration has previously challenged Ford-class schedules.
  • Delays intersect with retirements of older carriers, temporarily lowering the active fleet to 10 carriers, with Kennedy planned for a Kitsap-Bremerton homeport no earlier than 2029.