Future USS Ford Takes Huge Step Toward Combat

By Kris Osborn

April 14, a series of assessments and preparations which prepare the ship for operational service. 

Navy officials say the ship could formally deliver to the Navy later this year. 

Builder’s Sea Trials test the ship’s systems, components and compartments at sea for the first time. The trials also include high-speed runs and demonstrate many of the carrier’s other capabilities.

A statement from Naval Sea Systems Command said the trails succeeded in tracking aircraft using the Dual Band Radar, conducting “no load” cycles using the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and assessing small boat operations.

Overall, the Navy reports that the USS Ford is now “99-percent” complete. The majority of Ford’s test program is complete, including hull mechanical and electrical assessments, propulsion testing and electronics testing, service officials said.

Navy officials tell Scout Warrior that the second Ford-class ship, the future USS Kennedy, will be 50-percent built this year.

The second and third Ford-class carrier are is moving along with construction. Advanced procurement is now underway for the future USS Enterprise, the third Ford-class carrier.