The United States Navy recently awarded multiple contract modifications to HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries) totaling approximately $142.9 million. These critical actions enable the final support and capability enhancements needed to complete the CVN 79 Pre-Commissioning phase for the future aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, the nation’s sole designer and builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, will execute the work, ensuring the vessel is ready for fleet operations.
Finalizing the Gerald R. Ford-Class Carrier
These modifications are essential for transitioning the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second ship in the advanced Gerald R. Ford-class, from construction to active service. The contract modifications aim to achieve two main objectives: finalize unpriced change orders and implement capability improvements before the Navy takes delivery. The work includes critical tasks such as integrating combat systems, supporting logistics elements, and refining the carrier’s configuration based on evolving fleet requirements.
The U.S. Navy awarded the comprehensive package of contract actions, which included a $60 million cost-reimbursable modification, a $58.56 million cost-plus-incentive-fee change, a $20.92 million fixed-price-incentive firm target modification, and a $3.44 million cost-plus-fixed-fee adjustment. HII’s team will perform all mandated work at the Newport News facility in Virginia, a hub for naval shipbuilding.
Strategic Impact of CVN 79 Pre-Commissioning
Successfully navigating the CVN 79 Pre-Commissioning process is vital for the Gerald R. Ford-class program. The John F. Kennedy will carry advanced features like improved power generation, enhanced weapons handling systems, and a redesigned island, all designed to increase aircraft sortie-generation rates compared to previous carrier classes.
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) managed the award, which currently obligates no funding but sets the contractual framework for the crucial remaining steps. HII expects to finish the work by June 2026, marking a significant step toward delivering a new, highly capable nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the fleet. The final preparations solidify the platform’s role as a potent global force projection asset for decades to come.
