FORD-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIERS Archives

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Nov. 2, 2022) — When men’s college basketball teams Gonzaga and Michigan State face-off next week on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, shipbuilders and veterans from HII (NYSE: HII) and its Newport News Shipbuilding division will share in the national spotlight.

The 2022 Peraton Armed Forces Classic, hosted by ESPN events, will take place on the flight deck of the NNS-built USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Two NNS shipbuilders who are military veterans will receive special recognition during the game. Shipbuilders Famatta Cole and Bill McCormick worked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) when it was at NNS for its midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) from 2013 to 2017. Both Cole and McCormick served in the U.S. Navy prior to joining HII.

Cole, who continues to serve our nation as a reservist in the Navy, served aboard the former Enterprise (CVN 65) during her time on active duty. CVN 65 was built at NNS and was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. HII is the only U.S. manufacturer of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

“Most of my career at NNS has been spent working on in-service aircraft carriers, which allows for continuous learning and growth” Cole said. “Being recognized in this way will be a special way to spend Veterans Day.”

McCormick served 20 years in the Navy as a radioman, which included tours of duty in three strike groups led by NNS-built aircraft carriers: USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS George Washington (CVN 73).

“From serving in carrier strike groups during my time in the Navy to working on them at NNS, carriers have shaped my career in a huge way,” McCormick said. “As a veteran and a shipbuilder, it’s an honor to have served and continue to serve our sailors.”

At NNS today, both Cole and McCormick are supporting the RCOHs of USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), leveraging their experiences and lessons learned from working on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Airing nationally on ESPN, viewers will also be introduced to NNS shipbuilder Fatima Medina during a HII commercial that will air during the game.

Medina is a pipefitter apprentice who is using new digital technology to help build the next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers under construction at NNS, including Enterprise (CVN 80).

Enterprise is the first aircraft carrier not only designed digitally, but also being built digitally using visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings.

“Each time I download my daily work to the laptop, I can clearly see what I need to do and how to accomplish the job,” Medina said. “The digital tools are making things more efficient for all of us serving our country by delivering aircraft carriers to the Navy.”

As America recognizes the 100-year legacy of aircraft carriers this year, all aircraft carriers operating in the U.S. Navy fleet today were built at NNS. In August, HII celebrated the ceremonious keel-laying of the next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, Enterprise (CVN 80). Enterprise is the first of a two-carrier block buy for the Navy, with work also underway at NNS on the second, Doris Miller (CVN 81).

You can watch the 2022 Armed Forces Classic on ESPN starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time (3:30 p.m. Pacific) on Nov. 11. Get a sneak preview (above) of the HII commercial that will air during the game.

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About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense partner, building and delivering the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and technologies that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber.

As America’s largest shipbuilder and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national defense, we are united by our mission in service of the heroes who protect our freedom. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business professionals. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Todd Corillo

[email protected]

(757) 688-3220

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Aug. 27, 2022) — HII (NYSE: HII), America’s only builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and leading provider of mission-driven defense technologies, celebrated the ceremonial keel-laying of aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80) at its Newport News Shipbuilding division today.

U.S. Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are the ship’s sponsors. Ledecky attended in person, while Biles participated via video, as the pair marked the important first milestone in construction of the aircraft carrier.

During the ceremony, Biles and Ledecky’s initials were welded onto a steel plate that will be permanently affixed to the ship, signifying the sponsors’ enduring relationship with the shipbuilders and crew.

In his remarks, Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven stressed the significance of aircraft carriers, calling upon shipbuilders to recognize the importance of what they build.

“Our aircraft carriers would not be possible without the designers and builders right here at Newport News Shipbuilding,” Raven said. “Every team member here at Newport News can be certain that each cut of steel, every wrench turned, and every challenge encountered to build her were steps toward strengthening our naval and national greatness — especially when this ship sails the open seas to protect our nation’s interests.”

NNS President Jennifer Boykin spoke highly of the skilled shipbuilders constructing Enterprise, highlighting their commitment to the Navy and our nation as the only shipyard capable of building nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

“These hardworking women and men take 100,000 tons of steel and technology and make it not only float, but serve as home, workplace, and shield for our Navy’s sailors,” Boykin told the crowd. “Shipbuilding takes discipline, precision, and an unrelenting drive for excellence, which we can never let falter because our sailors and their families depend on us.”

Boykin also recognized all the veterans in attendance from previous U.S. Navy ships that have been named Enterprise, including CV 6 and CVN 65, both built at NNS. CVN 80 will be the ninth U.S. Navy vessel to carry on the name Enterprise. The most recent, CVN 65, was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in history. Already, 20,000 pounds of steel from CVN 65 have been incorporated into modules for CVN 80. When fully constructed, more than 35,000 pounds of steel from CVN 65 will live on in CVN 80, ensuring the Enterprise legacy continues.

CVN 80 is the third Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. Designed to replace Nimitz-class carriers, the Ford class features a new nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, improved weapons movement, an enhanced flight deck to support increased operational efficiency, and growth margin for future technologies.

As America recognizes the 100-year legacy of aircraft carriers this year, all aircraft carriers operating in the U.S. Navy fleet today were built at NNS. Enterprise is the first aircraft carrier not only designed digitally, but also being built digitally using visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings. Construction processes on Ford-class carriers, including Enterprise, are enabled by workforce learning that took place on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Enterprise is the first of a two-carrier block buy for the Navy, with work also underway at NNS on the second, Doris Miller (CVN 81).

A video of the ceremony, along with additional information on Enterprise (CVN 80), can be found at http://HII.com/CVN80.

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About HII

HII is an all-domain defense and technologies partner, recognized worldwide as America’s largest shipbuilder. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable an all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Todd Corillo

[email protected]

(757) 688-3220

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

From left to right welder Jonathan Rishor, Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin, Enterprise (CVN 80) sponsor Katie Ledecky, and welder Ephony King at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. Rishor and King welded initials of Ledecky and Enterprise (CVN 80) co-sponsor Simon Biles onto steel plates during the ceremonial keel laying Saturday, August 27, 2022. The plates will be affixed to the Ford-class aircraft carrier. (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII)

Welder Ephony King, left, looks on after welding the initials of Enterprise (CVN 80) sponsor Simon Biles onto a steel plate during the ceremonial keel laying Saturday, August 27, 2022 at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The plate will be affixed to the Ford-class aircraft carrier. (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII)

The ceremonial keel unit of Enterprise (CVN 80) lowered into the dry dock at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding during the keel laying ceremony Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Rose/HII)

Olympians and Enterprise (CVN 80) sponsors Katie Ledecky and Simon Biles participate in the ceremonial keel laying of CVN 80 at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Rose/HII)

The ceremonial keel unit of Enterprise (CVN 80) lowered into the dry dock at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding during the keel laying ceremony Saturday, August 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Rose/HII)

Welders Jonathan Rishor, left, and Ephony King weld the initials of Enterprise (CVN 80) sponsors, Olympians Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles, onto steel plates during the ceremonial keel laying Saturday, August 27, 2022 at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The plates will be affixed to the Ford-class aircraft carrier. (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII)

Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin and Enterprise (CVN 80) sponsor Katie Ledecky applaud NNS welder Jonathan Rishor as he presents Ledecky’s welded initials onto a steel plate during the ceremonial keel laying Saturday, August 27, 2022. The plate will be affixed to the Ford-class aircraft carrier. (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII)

Two welders at Newport News Shipbuilding are preparing to display their skills at the Aug. 27 keel laying ceremony for Enterprise (CVN 80) – and they are proud to share the spotlight.

Ephony King and Jonathan Rishor have been selected to weld the initials of the ship’s two sponsors, Olympians Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles, onto steel plates that will be affixed to the Ford-class aircraft carrier.

Any job requires preparation and practice, but that’s especially true when you’re in front of hundreds of people and a livestream audience. King and Rishor say they’ll be ready.

“We’re going to get it right before we get there,” said King, a five-year NNS employee and recent graduate of The Apprentice School.

“It’s going to turn out great. I know it will,” added Rishor, who has worked at NNS for more than five years.

Both welders have been given writing samples. King will weld the initials of gymnast Biles, whose handwriting “is all waves,” King said.

Rishor will handle Ledecky’s initials. The standout swimmer’s writing includes an intricate G – her middle name is Genevieve – that will require practice, said Rishor.

In a nod to history, the two steel plates that will display the sponsors’ initials come from the former Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier now inactive and moored at NNS.

Rishor served in the Navy and recalled a memorable moment involving CVN 65. In 2012, as CVN 65 headed home on its final deployment, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) relieved the ship. Rishor worked on the Ike’s flight deck, and as the two giants passed in the Atlantic Ocean, “I had the best seat in the house.”

King and Rishor were selected for the keel laying ceremony based on their consistent, quality performance.

Foreman Richard Watson said he tapped Rishor because he “is dependable, takes pride in his work and goes above and beyond to produce a first-time quality product.”

On being selected, Rishor said, “I feel honored, for sure.”

Foreman John Harrell said picking King was an easy choice. “The first person I thought of was Ms. King,” he said. “Every day she comes in, she welds works of art.”

King plans to make the most of the moment. “It’s not every day you get recognized for your talent,” she said.

About HII

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Todd Corillo

[email protected]

(757) 688-3220

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

What: HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division will host a ceremonial keel-laying for Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80) on Saturday, Aug. 27. This event is NOT open to public but will be livestreamed: https://HII.com/cvn80. Media are also invited to visit the ceremony site on Friday, Aug. 26, in advance of the ceremony. The media preview day, on Friday, Aug. 26, will provide an opportunity to speak with Newport News Shipbuilding leadership, Enterprise shipbuilders and Navy representatives from the Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers.

Who: Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are the ship’s sponsors. Ledecky will participate in Saturday’s keel-laying ceremony in person, while Biles will participate via video. Ledecky will be available for media interviews immediately following Saturday’s ceremony. Other ceremony participants include Newport News shipbuilders, and U.S. Navy and local officials.

When: Media preview day

Friday, Aug. 26

10 a.m.

Media check-in: 9:15 a.m.

Keel-laying ceremony

Saturday, Aug. 27

10 a.m.

Media check-in: 8:45 a.m.

Where: Media will park at VASCIC (2401 West Ave., Newport News, Virginia, 23607) both days and be escorted and transported by bus to and from the event site. See directions below. The bus will depart at 9:45 a.m. on Friday and 9:15 a.m. on Saturday.

RSVP: Confirmation of media attendance is required. Please RSVP by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 24. You must present a photo ID and be a U.S. citizen to be admitted to the events. Please RSVP to:

Todd Corillo

[email protected]

(757) 688-3220

Please note that because this is an industrial setting, long pants, shirts with sleeves covering shoulders, and flat, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required.

Details: CVN 80 is the third Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. Designed to replace Nimitz-class carriers, the Ford class features a new nuclear power plant, a redesigned island, electromagnetic catapults, improved weapons movement, an enhanced flight deck capable of increased aircraft sortie rates, and growth margin for future technologies. Enterprise will be the first aircraft carrier not only designed digitally, but also built digitally. CVN 80 will be the ninth Navy vessel to bear the name Enterprise. It carries on the name of the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in history, CVN 65, which was also built at Newport News Shipbuilding. As America recognizes the 100-year legacy of aircraft carriers this year, all nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operating in the U.S. Navy fleet today were built at Newport News Shipbuilding.

A webcast of the Saturday ceremony will be provided at https://HII.com/cvn80. A live, multi-camera satellite broadcast of the event will also be provided. Satellite information:

Satellite: GALAXY 17 (91 degrees west)

Transponder: Ku Digital 10 – Ch.A (9 Mhz)

Downlink Frequency: 11886.5

Downlink Polarity: Vertical

FEC: 3/4

Symbol Rate: 7.5

DVBS2, 8PSK TRANSMISSION, 4:2:0, 1080i

Window time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern Saturday

Directions to media parking:

From West Avenue, turn into the VASCIC complex at the sign.

For media preview day on Aug. 26, follow this road past the main entrance doors of VASCIC (on your right) and into the parking garage. Upon entering the parking garage, marked spaces will be reserved for media on the left.

For ceremony day on Aug. 27, please park in the exterior visitor spaces on both sides immediately in front of the VASCIC building.

About HII

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

More than half a century ago, a sailor named Dave Williams boarded Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, as a member of the original crew.

He was onboard when the ship responded to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Later, Williams left the Navy and came to work at Newport News Shipbuilding. But he maintained a relationship with his beloved ship. He worked on CVN 65 various times as shipbuilder, sometimes when it was docked in Norfolk, other times flying across the country or halfway around the world to give it needed attention.

Today, as a new Enterprise (CVN 80) comes to life at NNS, the Williams family is as involved as ever.

Dave’s son, Mike “Chilly” Williams (X36), is among thousands of shipbuilders working on the third Gerald R. Ford-class carrier. Given his family ties, this is much more than a job.

“It’s kind of like a full circle,” said Williams, a lead crane rigger. “That’s how my dad’s career started. He finished up his career at NNS on CVN 65. I’ve already been here 33 years, and toward the end of my career, I’ll be on CVN 80.”

Mike Williams was familiar with Enterprise lore at an early age. His father had a nautical-themed room and photos of CVN 65 on the wall.

“The Enterprise was always an important part of his life, so it was an important part of our lives because of that,” he said.

Dave Williams put aside active-duty service in the Navy to raise his family, but his love for the Navy never waned. In the late 1970s, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve and later retired as a chief petty officer.

When he did his two weeks of active duty at Naval Station Norfolk close to where CVN 65 was docked, while his crew was working on the ship, they got to see their boss in his sailor whites. It earned him the nickname “Sailor Bob.”

Mike Williams came to the shipyard in 1989 and dad, an X11 supervisor, didn’t retire until 2010. He has since passed away, but they managed to work together on the waterfront at times, including when CVN 65 returned to NNS at various times.

Because Mike Williams works in new carrier construction, CVN 80 is now part of his responsibility. “I’m just in the right place,” he said.

You can read more stories like this in NNS Currents.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (July 11, 2022) — HII (NYSE: HII), America’s only builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and leading provider of mission-driven defense technologies, announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has reached a significant milestone in the compartment and systems construction of aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

Newport News recently turned over to the ship’s crew the 1,000^th compartment of the 2,615 total spaces. The milestone reflects the shipyard’s steady progress toward delivery of the ship to the Navy. Newport News has also installed more than 9.8 million feet of cable, or more than 1,800 miles, of the approximately 10.5 million feet of cable on John F. Kennedy.

The most recently completed spaces include electrical and engineering. This allows sailors assigned to the pre-commissioning unit to increase training on the ship while final outfitting and testing progresses.

“Our shipbuilders are highly skilled, determined and working incredibly hard to bring Kennedy to life,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president, New Construction Aircraft Carrier Programs CVN 78 and CVN 79. “This is about equipping our sailors with the most advanced aircraft carrier ever built for the U.S. Navy. We are proud to execute for the customer, and finalize the remaining equipment, systems and compartments that will bring us closer to delivering the ship to the Navy.”

John F. Kennedy, the second in the Ford class, is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2024. Two other Ford-class aircraft carriers are currently under construction at Newport News: Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81).

Navy sailors and Newport News shipbuilders mark the 1,000th compartment space turned over to the crew of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

The Ford-class aircraft carriers are the first to be designed 100% digitally. Although the ships were designed in a digital environment, paper drawings are still used during the construction process. John F. Kennedy represents a transition to a new digital construction process, with shipbuilders beginning to use visual work instructions on laptops and tablets rather than paper drawings. Enterprise will be the first carrier totally built using the digital tools.

Ford-class enhancements incorporated into the design include flight deck changes, improved weapons handling systems and a redesigned island, all resulting in increased aircraft sortie-generation rates. The Ford class also features new nuclear power plants, increased electrical power-generation capacity, allowance for future technologies, and reduced workload for sailors, translating to a smaller crew size and reduced operating costs for the Navy. Construction processes on Ford-class carriers are enabled by workforce learning that took place on USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and those lessons are being applied throughout the Ford-class.

As America recognizes the 100-year legacy of aircraft carriers this year, all nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operating in the U.S. Navy fleet today were built at Newport News.

About Huntington Ingalls Industries

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Todd Corillo

(757) 688-3220

[email protected]

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 18, 2022 — HII (NYSE:HII), America’s only builder of nuclear powered aircraft carriers and leading provider of mission-driven defense technologies, will recognize the 100-year legacy of aircraft carriers this week and celebrate the next century of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

Brought into service 100 years ago on March 20, 1922, was USS Langley (CV 1), the U.S. Navy’s first aircraft carrier. The ship wasn’t constructed at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, however it began a century of thoughtful innovation, enabling nuclear-powered aircraft carriers today that provide the U.S. Navy a preeminent power projection platform and have served the nation’s interest in times of war and peace.

Newport News Shipbuilding aircraft carrier legends began with USS Ranger (CV 4) in 1934. Since Ranger’s delivery, the shipyard has delivered 31 aircraft carriers, including all 10 ships of the Nimitz class and the first of the Ford class that delivered in 2017.

“We are proud that all U.S. Navy aircraft carriers currently serving our nation and protecting our freedoms began their journey at Newport News Shipbuilding,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “The secret to the shipyard’s success is its shipbuilding team. While the art and science of building ships has evolved over the last century, two things have remained constant: the pioneering and patriotic spirit of NNS’ shipbuilders and the network of shipbuilding suppliers that spans all 50 states, and our strong partnership with the Navy.”

Today’s Ford-class aircraft carriers, the air wing, and weapons system evolve together as the latest technologies are developed for future missions and to counter emerging threats. Ford-class carriers are twice as long and weigh eight times as much as their 1922 counterpart, yet they are twice as fast and carry nearly three times as many aircraft. The nation’s newest most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), will be in service until at least 2070. All U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carriers operating in the Navy fleet today were built at Newport News Shipbuilding. USS Enterprise (CVN 65) was first in 1961, then served the nation more than 50 years, having operated safely on nuclear power before being decommissioned in 2017.

Three other Ford-class aircraft carriers are currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. They include John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81). In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is conducting mid-life refueling complex overhauls on two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers: USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). These overhauls will extend the service life for each platform by another 25 years, ensuring the Navy is positioned to deploy a fleet of aircraft carriers ready to support national security requirements.

HII is a global engineering and defense technologies provider. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable a networked, all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Kimberly Aguillard

(202) 580-9086

[email protected]

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Centennial Anniversary

HII and Its Newport News Shipbuilding division are celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the first U.S. aircraft carrier.

Apr 18, 2022

Global engineering and defense technologies provider HII (NYSE:HII) announced today that the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division completed the first planned incremental availability (PIA) for aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Gerald R. Ford is the first ship in a new class of aircraft carriers that incorporates 23 new technologies, designed to support the Navy’s air wing of the future.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege for our shipbuilding team to ready this most technologically advanced aircraft carrier for the Navy fleet,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president of the Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier programs. “We look forward to folding what we learned into the entire Gerald R. Ford class, extending the Navy’s power projection advantage around the globe.”

Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers incorporate new technologies such as electromagnetic catapults and weapons elevators, a redesigned flight deck and island, and more than twice the electrical capacity of Nimitz-class carriers. These aircraft carriers are designed to be the centerpiece of the Navy’s deployed battle force and alongside allies and partners, they defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity and keep the seas open and free.

The PIA involved six months of modernization and maintenance work to ensure Gerald R. Ford has the most current upgrades prior to the carrier’s maiden deployment. The ship entered the PIA in September 2021 after completing full ship shock trials and a successful post-delivery test and trials period.

Three other Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers are currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. They include John F. Kennedy, Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81). In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is conducting mid-life refueling complex overhauls on two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers – USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). These overhauls will extend the service life for each platform by another 25 years, ensuring the Navy is positioned to deploy a fleet of aircraft carriers ready to support national security requirements.

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Danny Hernandez

Director of Public Affairs

(202) 580-9086

[email protected]

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) PIA

Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) departs HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 after its planned incremental availability.

Mar 01, 2022

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Aug. 25, 2021) — Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) hosted a ceremonial event today at its Newport News Shipbuilding division that marked the first construction milestone in the life of the aircraft carrier Doris Miller (CVN 81).

During a small ceremony held inside of a manufacturing facility, Thomas Bledsoe, the great nephew of the ship’s namesake, gave the order to “cut that steel” to shipbuilder Gerald Bish, who operated a large plasma-cutting machine that sliced into a steel plate. Shipbuilders, U.S. Navy leadership, elected officials and Doris Miller’s relatives signed their names on the plate.

“Today we recognize the start of construction of the fourth ship of the Gerald R. Ford class,” said Jennifer Boykin, president of Newport News Shipbuilding. “From this day forward, our shipbuilders will put their hearts into every pipe they fit, every unit they lift and every inch of steel they weld.

Members of Doris Miller’s family attend the ceremonial first cut of steel for the aircraft carrier Doris Miller (CVN 81) at Newport News Shipbuilding division, Aug. 25, 2021.

“Shipbuilders, I thank you for the hard work, innovation and dedication you will put into transforming this first piece of steel into an awe-inspiring aircraft carrier.”

Ceremony participants included U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., who offered remarks; Rear Adm. James Downey, program executive officer for aircraft carriers; Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy Russell Smith; shipbuilders and six members of Doris Miller’s family.

“It is so fitting and timely during a period of significant discussion and change we come together to begin construction of one of our Navy’s next great aircraft carriers, in the name of one of the finest heroes of the greatest generation,” Downey said. “We will construct a sound and mighty warship worthy of his legacy.”

Members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation, including Reps. Rob Wittman, R-Va. and Elaine Luria, D-Va. also attended the event. Other guests included, and Capt. Andrew P. Johnson, commanding officer of Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News.

Doris Miller is the second ship named in honor of Miller, and the first aircraft carrier ever named for an African American. This also is the first aircraft carrier named in honor of a sailor for actions while serving in the enlisted ranks.

Miller is credited with heroic actions while serving aboard the Newport News-built West Virginia (BB 48) during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Miller’s bravery earned him the Navy Cross.

Doris Miller also is the second ship of the two-carrier contract award HII received in January 2019 for the detail design and construction of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers; Enterprise (CVN 80) being the first ship of the contract.

Newport News currently is performing early manufacturing of Doris Miller, which includes structural fabrication and shop work. The ship also will be the second aircraft carrier built completely using digital drawings and procedures rather than traditional paper work packages and products.

Doris Miller’s keel is scheduled to be laid in 2026 and delivered to the Navy in 2032.

“The Doris Miller story provides so many lessons to us as Americans,” said Thomas Bledsoe, great-nephew of the ship’s namesake. “The Miller family cannot express in words what this means to us, to Americans and to anyone inspired by Doris Miller’s story.”

The Ford class features new software-controlled electromagnetic catapults and weapons elevators, a redesigned flight deck and island, and more than twice the electrical capacity of the preceding Nimitz-class carriers. These aircraft carriers are designed to be the centerpiece of the nation’s security strategy and support and protect the global economy through the protection of sea lanes around the world.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division provides mission-critical national security solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs about 44,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

MEDIA CONTACT

Danny Hernandez

Director of Public Affairs

(202) 580-9086

[email protected]

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (Aug. 02, 2021) — Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) announced today that it is making significant progress in the compartment and systems construction of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

Newport News Shipbuilding division recently eclipsed the 20% mark on compartment completion, turning over to the ship’s crew more than 500 of the total 2,615 spaces. It also has installed more than 8 million feet of cable — or more than 1,500 miles — of the approximately 10.5 million feet of cable on Kennedy.

The most recently completed spaces include berthing, machinery and electrical. This allows sailors assigned to the pre-commissioning unit to continue training on the ship while final outfitting and testing progresses.

“We are pleased with the progress being made on Kennedy,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier programs. “We are in the very early stages of systems testing, and look forward to successfully executing our work on equipment, systems and compartments that brings us closer to delivering the ship to the fleet.”

Kennedy is more than 80% complete overall, and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2024.

Newport News Shipbuilding division is progressing through construction of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) turning over more than 500 of the total 2,615 compartments, including the machine room which is one of the larger spaces. The completed spaces allow sailors to begin training on the ship while final outfitting and testing continues.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division supports national security missions around the globe with unmanned systems, defense and federal solutions, and nuclear and environmental services. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs about 44,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: hii.com
HII on Facebook: facebook.com/TeamHII
HII on Twitter: twitter.com/WeAreHII
HII on Instagram: instagram.com/WeAreHII

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General Inquiries:

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John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Construction Progress

Newport News Shipbuilding division is progressing through construction of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) turning over more than 500 of the total 2,615 compartments, including the machine room which is one of the larger spaces. The completed spaces allow sailors to begin training on the ship while final outfitting and testing continues.

Aug 27, 2021

HII-Built Aircraft Carrier & Shipbuilders Get National Spotlight on Veterans Day

Category: FORD-CLASS AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

Navy sailors and Newport News shipbuilders mark the 1,000th compartment space turned over to the crew of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79).

U.S. Aircraft Carrier Centennial Anniversary

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) PIA

John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Construction Progress

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