Name and Location
John F Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier project, US.

Client
US Navy.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of the second Ford-class nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier (CVN) – the John F Kennedy (CVN 79).

The planned carrier is designed to reduce required maintenance by 30%, compared with previous carriers and save the US Navy an estimated $4-billion in operational costs over its 50-year life.

The new-class carrier features several new technologies – including the General Atomics Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), which promise to increase the number of aircraft sorties by almost 25% on its more than 2 ha flight deck, compared with the current Nimitz-class CVN.

The 100 000 t carrier will be capable of reaching speeds of more than 35 knots.

The John F Kennedy is the second ship in the Gerald R Ford (CVN 78) class, representing the first new carrier design since the 1960s.

The Ford is being fitted out at Newport News, and is expected to be delivered and commissioned in 2016.

The Kennedy will be followed by a third ship, Enterprise (CVN 80).

Value
The project is expected to cost an estimated $11.35-billion.

Duration
The CVN 79 will be commissioned between 2023 and 2025.

Latest Developments
Shipbuilder Newport News Shipping, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) laid the keel for the second Ford-class nuclear aircraft carrier in August this year.

The first steel was cut for the Kennedy in December 2010 – since then more than 450 of the ship’s 1 100 structural units have been built under a construction preparation contract that will be used to start erecting the ship’s hull.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Newport News Shipping (CVN 79 construction).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Newport News Shipping manager of media relations Christie Miller, tel +1 757 380 3581 or
email Christine.miller@hii-co.com.