A composite photo illustration representing the Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). Illustration: Huntington Ingalls.
The first Ford-class aircraft carrier, which has experienced delays due to technical problems, is now slated for delivery to the Navy in April, the service announced late Jan. 11.
The new date assumes that the ship, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding, completes successful sea trials in March and April. “Over the past few months, we have made significant progress resolving first-of-class issues” with critical systems, the Navy said in a statement.
The Navy announced in September that it was re-evaluating the ship’s schedule due to the technical glitches. Previously, the delivery was delayed from September to November.