Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), a military shipbuilder based in Virginia, has announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has received contract modifications worth $393.3 million from the US Navy.

These modifications aim to change the delivery strategy for the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

The contract revisions will involve shifting the completion work previously planned for Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) at NNS into the baseline construction contract. This adjustment in the delivery approach for the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier means that the John F. Kennedy will now be delivered to the Navy on July 31, 2025.

The aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy will carry forward the legacy of highly capable nuclear-powered platforms. The design incorporates enhancements from the Ford-class, including an improved flight deck, upgraded weapons handling systems, and a redesigned island structure. These advancements are intended to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the need for extensive manpower.

Additionally, the Ford-class features a state-of-the-art nuclear power plant, increased electrical power-generation capacity, and ample room for incorporating future technologies.

The construction of the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier involves the contributions of thousands of skilled shipbuilders and suppliers from across the country. Newport News Shipbuilding, known as the nation’s sole designer, builder, and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, is leading the construction efforts.

Alongside the John F. Kennedy, two other Ford-class aircraft carriers, Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81), are currently under construction at NNS.

Huntington Ingalls Industries continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering cutting-edge naval assets to the U.S. Navy. The contract modifications for the John F. Kennedy highlight HII’s ability to adapt and optimize the construction process, ensuring the timely delivery of advanced aircraft carrier capabilities.

Lucas Hicks — NNS vice president for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) new construction aircraft carrier program said: “The contract modification reflects extensive collaboration with the Navy, as we have supported their decision to change the delivery strategy.

“This strategy will decrease post-delivery work required and increase ship capability and readiness at delivery. We understand the importance of Kennedy and look forward to delivering this mission-ready capability to the Navy.”

  CVN 79, HII, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Lucas Hicks, US Navy, Virginia