Image source: topwar.ru
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
The commissioning of the second Ford-class aircraft carrier has been postponed again, now for two years. The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) was supposed to be delivered to the fleet in July 2025, now this date has been postponed to March 2027, and the ship's acceptance will take place even later. Earlier, in 2024, the dates had already shifted to the right.
- explained contractor HII's Newport News Shipbuilding.
First of all, we are talking about the need to refine the improved AAG braking device, necessary for landing aircraft on the deck, and the improved AWE armament lift, which moves ammunition on board.
General Atomics stated that, given the timing failure, the possibility of pre-acceptance of the vessel before its official transfer is being studied in order to ensure the fastest possible transition to operation of the aircraft carrier and its combat capability.
The lead USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) also faced several delays, including difficulties in installing and integrating the braking system and 11 lifts on the ship.
Image Source: topwar.ru
Advanced Aerial Finisher System (AAG) on a Ford-class aircraft carrier
According to the contractor, there will be no such difficulties on the aircraft carriers Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81), since Ford's shortcomings were taken into account during their construction. However, they will not be delivered on time either. Thus, the Enterprise is planned to be launched in July 2030, rather than in September 2029 (the deadline was previously postponed from March 2028); delays in the shipment of materials and problems in the industry and supply chain are cited as the reason for this.
- said the representative of the Navy.
The USS Nimitz (CVN-68), the oldest aircraft carrier in service, which is already 50 years old, will be decommissioned in May 2026. This means that for almost a year, before Kennedy's service begins, the number of aircraft carriers in the US Navy will be reduced from 11 to 10 pennants, which will disrupt the fleet's combat deployment.
