Future USS John F. Kennedy Completes Builder's Sea Trials

The aircraft carrier successfully tested key systems and technologies during the trials in Virginia.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second ship in the Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers, has successfully completed its Builder's Sea Trials at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The trials involved testing many of the ship's key systems and technologies, with Sailors, shipbuilders, and Navy personnel working together throughout the process.

Why it matters

The successful completion of the Builder's Sea Trials is a significant milestone in the construction of the USS John F. Kennedy, bringing the Navy one step closer to adding another Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier to its fleet. These new carriers are designed to improve survivability, increase lethality, and reduce total ownership costs over their 50-year lifespan.

The details

During the Builder's Sea Trials, the ship's Pre-Commissioning Unit, shipbuilders, and Navy personnel tested many of the ship's key systems and technologies. Prior to the trials, the ship also conducted a five-day "Fast Cruise" simulation to prepare the crew for the at-sea operations. The successful completion of the trials marks an important step towards the ship's eventual delivery to the Navy.

  • The Builder's Sea Trials were completed on February 4, 2026.
  • The ship conducted a five-day "Fast Cruise" simulation prior to the trials.

The players

Rear Adm. Casey Moton

Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers (PEO CVN).

Capt. Doug Langenberg

Commanding officer of the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) for the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

Capt. Mark Johnson

Program Manager for the Gerald R. Ford-class New Construction.

Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS)

A division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) where the USS John F. Kennedy is being built.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing this Navy-industry team take CVN 79 to sea for the first time was nothing short of thrilling.”

— Rear Adm. Casey Moton, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers (PEO CVN) (Mirage News)

“There are millions of fingerprints contributing to this successful sea trial, both of the hard-working patriots who built this great ship and of the Sailors who are now bringing her to life.”

— Capt. Doug Langenberg, Commanding officer of PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) (Mirage News)

“We're making steady progress towards completion of the ship with all required capability. We continue to work closely with the shipbuilder to ensure that the nation's next aircraft carrier is delivered to the Navy on the fastest possible path to combat readiness.”

— Capt. Mark Johnson, Program Manager for Gerald R. Ford-class New Construction (Mirage News)

What’s next

The team will resume completion work on the USS John F. Kennedy while also addressing any issues identified during the Builder's Trials. The next major milestone for the ship will be Acceptance Trials, the timeline for which is currently under review.

The takeaway

The successful completion of the Builder's Sea Trials for the future USS John F. Kennedy is a significant milestone in the construction of the Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier. This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of thousands of workers across the maritime industrial base, bringing the Navy one step closer to adding another Gerald R. Ford-class carrier to its fleet.