DEC 7TH, HOW FITTING.

New Gerald R. Ford-class Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy to Be Christened Dec. 7

NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia. (NNS) – The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), will be christened on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Newport News, Virginia.

John F. Kennedy is the second aircraft carrier of the Gerald R. Ford class, slated to replace USS Nimitz (CVN 68), when that ship is decommissioned.

Former NASA Administrator Maj. Gen. Charles F. Bolden, USMC (Ret.), will deliver the ceremony's keynote address. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, President Kennedy’s daughter, will serve as the ship's sponsor and break a bottle of American sparkling wine against a plate welded to the hull.

“USS John F. Kennedy will carry the legacy of its namesake and the power of our nation,” said Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly. “The advanced technology and warfighting capabilities this aircraft carrier brings to our global challenges will strengthen our allies and partners, extend our reach against potential adversaries, and further the global mission of our integrated naval force.”

Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division, the Gerald R. Ford class incorporates advances in technology, such as a new propulsion system, electric plant, [Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)], Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), machinery control, radars and integrated warfare systems.

Salute!

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