Navy Modifies Delivery Strategy for Future USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier

The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier will receive an updated delivery strategy as the US Navy awards a $393.3-million modification contract to HII. This contract aims to enhance the ship’s delivery capabilities by defining unpriced change orders and providing additional engineering and integrated logistics support for the second Gerald Ford-class vessel. As a result, the initial handover date for CVN 79 will be pushed back from June 2024 to July 2025.

Lucas Hicks, the Vice President of HII Newport News Shipbuilding CVN 79 Program, expressed that the contract modification reflects extensive collaboration with the Navy and highlights their support for the decision to change the delivery strategy. The new approach is expected to reduce post-delivery work requirements and increase the ship’s capability and readiness upon delivery. HII recognizes the significance of the USS John F. Kennedy and looks forward to delivering this mission-ready capability to the Navy.

The CVN 79 aircraft carrier, powered by nuclear energy, will undergo various enhancements based on the original Ford-class design. These enhancements will focus on the ship’s flight deck, a redesigned island, and weapons handling systems, aiming to improve operability, efficiency, and reduce manning requirements. Additionally, the CVN 79 will feature a new nuclear power plant, enhanced compatibility with future technologies, and an upgraded electrical power generation capacity.

Notably, Newport News Shipbuilding is also constructing two additional Ford-class carriers, namely the USS Enterprise (CVN 80) and the USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).