HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding secures preliminary acceptance for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — HII said on Sept. 29, 2026, that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has achieved preliminary acceptance of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, marking the final step before formal delivery to the U.S. Navy.

The milestone allows the Navy to begin at-sea testing and evaluation of the ship’s systems and gives the crew time to build operational proficiency. CVN 79 completed acceptance trials in August. The carrier departed Newport News Shipbuilding on Sept. 29 and will transition to Naval Station Norfolk.

“Achieving preliminary acceptance is another step toward ensuring the U.S. Navy has the aircraft carriers it needs to carry out the mission of defending our nation,” said Bryan Caccavale, NNS vice president of program management. “It is an honor to see Kennedy depart and begin integration into the fleet.”