The U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy has returned to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) yard after successfully completing her sea acceptance trials.
The nuclear-powered warship is currently scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Navy in March next year, in time to replace the ageing and soon-to-be retired USS Nimitz.
The 337-metre carrier displaces about 100,000 tonnes, has a crew of about 4,500, is powered by twin nuclear reactors and can sail at speeds in excess of 30 knots. She can carry about 90 fixed-wing planes and helicopters, as well as uncrewed systems.
Sea acceptance trials are the middle stage of the wider sea trials process which all U.S. Navy ships undergo, and the final set prior to delivery.
Newly constructed naval vessels first complete builder’s trials, where the shipyard tests the ship’s basic operations and seaworthiness in open water.
Under the second acceptance stage of sea trials, joint teams of shipbuilders and Navy personnel push systems close to their limits under scrutiny by the U.S. Navy’s independent Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).
These essentially form a final exam to evaluate a warship’s readiness to join the fleet. Next follows preliminary acceptance; enabling the Navy to begin underway testing and military systems evaluation.
After delivery, final contract trials usually extending across several months resolve any lingering snagging issues before manufacturer warranties expire.
NNS’ VP of new construction aircraft carrier programmes Derek Murphy commented: “It is an honor to take Kennedy to sea to demonstrate the quality work and commitment by our shipbuilders.
“This critical set of sea trials is a testament to the entire nuclear shipbuilding enterprise and the work of thousands across our country to prepare CVN 79 to join the fleet.”
- You can read more details on the HII website
