HII announces 80% completion of John F. Kennedy carrier
Newport News Shipbuilding division is progressing through construction of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). (Photo: Huntington Ingalls Industries)
HII has passed a significant milestone in the construction of the John F. Kennedy carrier, one of four Gerald R Ford-class carriers ordered by the USN.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced that significant progress has been made in the compartment and systems construction of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.
Over 20% of the works on compartments have been completed, turning over to the ship’s crew more than 500 of the total 2,615 spaces.
It has also installed more than 8,000,000ft of cable (more than 1,500 miles) of the approximately 10,500,000ft of cable.
So far, the berthing, machinery, electrical and other spaces have been completed. This allows sailors assigned to the pre-commissioning unit to continue training on the ship while final outfitting and testing progresses.
More than 80% of the total work on the Kennedy has been completed; delivery to the USN is scheduled for 2024.
The Kennedy aircraft carrier is part of the Gerald R Ford-class of next-generation carriers designed to replace USS Enterprise and Nimitz-class carriers.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Congressional Research Service has estimated the costs of Kennedy at $11.3 billion.
These ships will be at the forefront of US power projection over the next 50 years as they enter service, employing new technologies that will enhance operational capabilities far beyond their predecessors.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage]()
Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage
As AI dominates defence conversations, industry increasingly points to quantum sensing as the technology set to change submarine and uncrewed underwater vehicle operations.
-
![Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement]()
Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement
The Indian Navy's P17B programme is expected to combine greater weapons capacity with a competitive domestic construction model, although key systems could remain dependent on international supply chains.
-
![How France’s SNLE 3G programme is reshaping the naval nuclear industrial base]()
How France’s SNLE 3G programme is reshaping the naval nuclear industrial base
Extending far beyond a four-submarine replacement programme, France’s ballistic missile submarine effort is a decades-long industrial initiative designed to preserve the country’s ability to build and sustain nuclear-powered strategic platforms.
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
