The John F. Kennedy Carrier, also known as the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), is a United States Navy aircraft carrier that is currently under construction. The ship is the second of the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers and is being built by Huntington Ingalls Industries at the Newport News Shipbuilding facility in Virginia. The construction of the John F. Kennedy Carrier began in 2011, and the ship is expected to be commissioned in 2024. The carrier is named after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.
Key Points
- The John F. Kennedy Carrier is the second of the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, with a total length of 1,106 feet and a beam of 257 feet.
- The ship is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, which provide a total of 220,000 horsepower and allow the carrier to reach speeds of over 30 knots.
- The John F. Kennedy Carrier has a crew of over 4,600 personnel, including officers, enlisted personnel, and civilians.
- The ship is equipped with advanced radar and communication systems, including the AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS).
- The John F. Kennedy Carrier is designed to carry a variety of aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the E-2D Hawkeye.
Design and Construction

The John F. Kennedy Carrier is being built using a modular construction approach, which involves building the ship in smaller sections and then assembling them together. This approach has allowed the shipyard to build the ship more efficiently and has reduced the overall construction time. The ship’s design is based on the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers, but it includes several improvements and upgrades, such as a more efficient nuclear reactor and a more advanced radar system.
Advanced Technology
The John F. Kennedy Carrier is equipped with some of the most advanced technology in the world, including the AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar, which provides advanced air and missile defense capabilities. The ship also has a highly advanced communication system, which allows it to communicate with other ships and aircraft in real-time. The John F. Kennedy Carrier is also equipped with a highly advanced propulsion system, which includes two A4W nuclear reactors and four shafts.
Category | Specification |
---|---|
Length | 1,106 feet |
Beam | 257 feet |
Displacement | 100,000 tons |
Speed | Over 30 knots |
Crew | Over 4,600 personnel |

Operational Capabilities

The John F. Kennedy Carrier is designed to be a highly versatile ship, with the ability to carry out a wide range of missions. The ship is equipped with a variety of aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the E-2D Hawkeye. The ship’s advanced radar and communication systems make it an invaluable asset for air and missile defense, and its highly advanced propulsion system allows it to operate for long periods of time without refueling.
Mission Requirements
The John F. Kennedy Carrier is designed to meet a variety of mission requirements, including air and missile defense, strike warfare, and maritime patrol. The ship’s advanced technology and highly trained crew make it an invaluable asset for the US Navy, and its ability to operate in a variety of environments makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of missions. The John F. Kennedy Carrier is also designed to be highly sustainable, with a range of over 25 years and the ability to operate for long periods of time without refueling.
What is the purpose of the John F. Kennedy Carrier?
+The John F. Kennedy Carrier is a United States Navy aircraft carrier that is designed to provide a wide range of capabilities, including air and missile defense, strike warfare, and maritime patrol. The ship is equipped with advanced technology and a highly trained crew, making it an invaluable asset for the US Navy.
How long will it take to build the John F. Kennedy Carrier?
+The construction of the John F. Kennedy Carrier began in 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2024. The ship is being built using a modular construction approach, which has allowed the shipyard to build the ship more efficiently and has reduced the overall construction time.
What types of aircraft will the John F. Kennedy Carrier carry?
+The John F. Kennedy Carrier is designed to carry a variety of aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the E-2D Hawkeye. The ship's advanced technology and highly trained crew make it an invaluable asset for the US Navy, and its ability to carry a variety of aircraft makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of missions.
In conclusion, the John F. Kennedy Carrier is a highly advanced aircraft carrier that is designed to provide a wide range of capabilities for the US Navy. The ship’s advanced technology and highly trained crew make it an invaluable asset, and its ability to operate in a variety of environments makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of missions. With its expected commissioning in 2024, the John F. Kennedy Carrier will be a significant addition to the US Navy’s fleet, providing advanced air and missile defense capabilities and supporting a wide range of military operations.