USS John F. Kennedy departs Newport News to begin acceptance trials
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The USS John F. Kennedy left Newport News, Virginia, on August 12 to begin acceptance trials, the final phase before U.S. Navy delivery. Huntington Ingalls Industries said the sea campaign will test and evaluate key ship systems and components. The carrier has completed seven of 11 Advanced Weapons Elevators while work continues on the remaining four.
Acceptance Trials
USS John F. Kennedy left Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division on August 12, 2026, for its second sea trip after completing eight days of builder’s trials in February. The acceptance trials are intended to test and evaluate key ship systems and components at sea. The CVN-79 schedule has been revised several times, including to complete certification of the Advanced Arresting Gear and to continue work on the Advanced Weapons Elevators.
Weapons Elevators
USNI News reported that the carrier has completed seven of 11 Advanced Weapons Elevators. The seven completed elevators provide access to all weapons magazines and allow crew training and certification to continue while work proceeds on the remaining four. The carrier is also intended to operate the F-35C Lightning II from its first deployment.
Carrier Design
John F. Kennedy is the second Ford-class carrier and represents the first comprehensive redesign of a U.S. aircraft carrier in several decades. The vessel is approximately 333 meters long, with a flight deck width of about 77 meters and a displacement exceeding 100,000 tonnes. Two A1B nuclear reactors driving four shafts allow speeds above 30 knots and prolonged operations without refueling the propulsion plant.
What's Next
The carrier will continue acceptance sea trials before formal acceptance by the U.S. Navy, with delivery currently scheduled for March 2027. It remains unclear whether certification of the remaining four Advanced Weapons Elevators will be completed in time to avoid further delays to handover.
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USS John F. Kennedy departs Newport News to begin acceptance trials
