February 13, 2026
Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at this historic milestone as HII demonstrates speed, discipline, and execution in delivering next-generation capability to the U.S. Navy.
https://youtu.be/tvBCcZkEsd0?si=ulDmil9gVn7KyqW8HII marked a major achievement with the successful completion of builder’s sea trials for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier built by HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division. The video captures Kennedy’s first time underway and the teamwork and technical expertise driving this critical step toward delivery.
Filmed in the Atlantic Ocean, the video takes viewers aboard the carrier as HII NNS shipbuilders, industry and U.S. Navy partners, and sailors conduct intensive testing of propulsion, steering, navigation, weapons systems, anchors, and firefighting capabilities. Working around the clock, teams evaluated performance across nearly 2,000 spaces, using hundreds of sensors to test system limits and verify the ship’s readiness to operate as a floating city at sea.
“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of our shipbuilders,” said Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs. “Our nation is depending on us to deliver these critical assets that will protect freedom around the world and we’re proud to see CVN 79 take another step toward joining the fleet.”
Beyond the technical achievement, the video captures the human side of shipbuilding and the years of craftsmanship now brought to life. As one shipbuilder reflects in the film, “Every hand that’s touched this boat has left its mark.”
The sea trials reflect HII’s broader focus: delivering the core fleet while advancing integrated, all-domain capabilities that enable manned and unmanned teaming. The company continues to strengthen the maritime industrial base while deploying technologies that connect platforms and enhance warfighting advantage.
“There is a sense of urgency around everything we do,” Eric Chewning, HII executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy, recently stated in an interview. “HII is always focused on meeting and delivering on our commitments to the U.S. Navy and the warfighter.”
That urgency, coupled with a commitment to safety and quality, defines both shipbuilding execution and the delivery of integrated, enabling technologies.
“We want to be a leader in positioning our warfighters and the U.S.. Navy to win,” Chewning added. “As America’s leading sea power company, we have an obligation to help create an ecosystem that works.”
This milestone reinforces HII’s commitment to disciplined execution and delivering capability and readiness to the fleet and the nation.
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII's mission is to deliver the world's most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong.
Sign Up for Updates
Enter your email to receive news updates and insights.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and provide consent to receive updates from HII.