USS John F. Kennedy delivery delayed until July 2025
- The future USS John F. Kennedy is nearly complete but faced delays primarily due to the pandemic.
- Navy officials are focused on avoiding past issues seen in other carriers by revising construction timelines.
- The successful delivery of the USS John F. Kennedy is crucial for modernizing the U.S. Navy's fleet.
In the United States, the second USS John F. Kennedy, a Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is in the final stages of construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia. Initially scheduled for delivery in 2022, the vessel encountered significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted production timelines. As of April 2025, the ship is reported to be about ninety-five percent complete, with a new contract delivery date set for July 2025. Navy officials have indicated that while the construction is progressing, there are still concerns about potentially missing this revised timeline. The focus has shifted from design issues to production challenges, a transition made possible by learning from the earlier USS Gerald R. Ford's construction experiences. Notably, the USS Gerald R. Ford faced ongoing technical problems even after its delivery, particularly regarding its elevator systems. The Navy aims to avoid similar issues with the USS John F. Kennedy by altering its Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) timeline, allowing for more thorough construction work before the ship enters service. Rear Admiral Casey Moton emphasized that both the Navy and the shipbuilder, HII-NNS, are dedicated to ensuring a smooth delivery plan, aiming for the USS John F. Kennedy to be combat-ready upon delivery. This aircraft carrier is vital for the future naval capabilities of the U.S. Navy, designed to replace aging Nimitz-class carriers on a one-for-one basis. As the USS John F. Kennedy approaches its launch, it has become part of a broader initiative that includes the construction of two additional carriers, the future USS Enterprise and USS Doris Miller. These efforts are part of a strategic plan to modernize Navy vessels and maintain robust operational readiness. The ongoing construction of these carriers reflects an important moment for the U.S. Navy as they adapt to technological advancements and changing warfare needs. While challenges remain, the commitment to learning from past mistakes drives the current approach in delivering these vital assets.