Virginia-based HII, the largest shipbuilder in the United States, announced its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division recently completed sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
NNS shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors and Navy personnel conducted testing and demonstrated ship operations during the trials.
“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of the world’s finest shipbuilders,” Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs, said. “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.”
The CVN 79 features enhancements to the previous Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It features a new nuclear power plant, increased electrical power-generation capacity and increased operational efficiency while reducing manning requirements.
HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and allied defense customers. It also provides ships and all-domain mission technologies. The company builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Founded more than 140 years ago, HII employs 44,000 people.