“Super-carrier” USS John F. Kennedy has begun sea trials ahead of her scheduled delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2027.
Shipbuilder HII confirmed in a social media post yesterday (Wednesday) that the 337-metre, 100,000 ton vessel has sailed from its Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Virginia to begin builders’ sea trials.
The warship, built at a cost of about $11.3 billion, is the second ship in the Gerald R Ford class of so-called super-carriers, the biggest naval ships in the world.
She is powered by twin nuclear reactors, can sail at speeds in excess of 30 knots, and is capable of accommodating up to 90 combat aircraft in her hangars and on her 333m x 78m flight deck.
She has taken 15 years to build since the first steel for the warship was cut back in 2011 after two years of preliminary planning.
HII’s post noted: “These trials will test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.
“This huge milestone is the result of the selfless teamwork and unwavering commitment by our incredible shipbuilders, suppliers and ship’s force crew. We wish them a safe and successful time at sea!”
The first-in-class supercarrier Gerald R Ford was delivered back in 2017, and a further two similar warships are under construction: USS Enterprise and USS Doris Miller. The third ship is due to be completed in the early 2030s, about three years after USS John F. Kennedy.
- You can read more about the Gerald R Ford class of carriers on the HII website and see more pictures of her setting off on sea trials on its LinkedIn page