Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding [HII] on Aug. 22 laid the keel for the Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).
“The keel-laying for CVN-79 is an important milestone in returning a carrier named John F. Kennedy to our fleet, continuing the rich tradition of the name,” said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus in a statement. “President Kennedy was not only an inspirational leader, but also a sailor, a man who deeply understood the importance of the Navy and the presence it provides —a presence that will soon be enabled for decades to come by this great ship—a ship that will be brought to life through our partnership with the shipbuilding industry and the men and women whose tireless efforts bring our ships from concept to reality.”
Sean Stackley, the service’s head of acquisition, was present at the keel laying ceremony at Newport News’ shipyard in Newport News, Va.
Aircraft carriers “are our nation’s great instruments of security and…of goodwill,” he said. “In times of crisis, they are the first to respond, and when called upon, they will deliver the final word in the bidding of our nation.”
Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) also attended the event.
The nuclear-powered Ford class are almost 1,092 feet long and weigh about 100,000 tons. The Navy estimates each ship will save about $4 billion in total ownership costs compared to the Nimitz class currently in use.
In the near term, however, Ford-class procurement has been characterized by cost growth driven by three developmental technologies that will be integrated on the ships: the dual band radar that will be equipped exclusively on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arresting gear. The Government Accountability Office in 2014 found that cost overruns beyond the $2.4 billion already accumulated were likely.
In June, the Navy awarded $4.3 billion in contracts to Newport News for detailed design, construction and labor of the Kennedy. Rear Adm. Thomas Moore, the program executive officer for carriers, estimated CVN 79 would cost about $1 million less than its predecessor. The service is making investments in the Newport News shipyard in the hopes of decreasing the price of Ford-class carriers even further, he said.
However, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) wants to see more progress. The upper chamber’s version of the defense authorization bill recommends holding $100 million in procurement costs for the Kennedy until the Navy conducts shock trials on the Ford and submits reports on cost issues and alternative carriers that could replace the Ford-class.
The Navy expects to commission the Kennedy in 2020.