Ford-Class Supercarrier Sets Sail for First Open Sea Test

[william]

The U.S. Navy’s next Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), has begun its first shipbuilder sea trials, a major step toward its planned delivery in March 2027. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the carrier’s builder, confirmed that the Kennedy departed Newport News, Virginia, this week to begin the tests.

The Kennedy has benefited from design and production changes introduced after problems emerged on the USS Gerald R. Ford. It is fitted with the AN/SPY-6(V)3 Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar, replacing the Dual Band Radar used on the Ford, which proved difficult to maintain and integrate.

After the USS John F. Kennedy enters service, the next Ford-class carriers scheduled for delivery are the USS Enterprise (CVN-80) and USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), planned for commissioning in 2030 and 2032, respectively. The Navy has also announced the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN-82) and USS George W. Bush (CVN-83).

US Navy’s 2nd Ford class aircraft carrier heads to open sea for first trial

US Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy sets sail for its first shipbuilder sea trials after years of construction.

interestingengineering.com

 

[Torch]

These things are marvelous and incredible displays of what America and technology can do in the year 1989.

In 2020 they are too slow to build.

Its not that we dont want and need huge super carriers in peacetime, the problem is they are now too precious to lose. (my precious!)

The materials and the time spent, needs to be used upon small amphibious attack ships, with the model tweaked to normally have a small air group, and occasionally embark marines for invasions, not the other way around. Very useful for many years, including a dozen to be used for disaster relief.

“Cost less and do more”

Build them with more point defenses to be easier to defend and designed to be replaceable if its lost.

 

[william]

These things are marvelous and incredible displays of what America and technology can do in the year 1989.

In 2020 they are too slow to build.

Its not that we dont want and need huge super carriers in peacetime, the problem is they are now too precious to lose. (my precious!)

The materials and the time spent, needs to be used upon small amphibious attack ships, with the model tweaked to normally have a small air group, and occasionally embark marines for invasions, not the other way around. Very useful for many years, including a dozen to be used for disaster relief.

The USMC is in the process of doing exactly this now.

“Cost less and do more”

Build them with more point defenses to be easier to defend and designed to be replaceable if its lost.

This is America. Bigger is better. Where are the battleships!

 

[Torch]

The USMC is in the process of doing exactly this now.

This is America. Bigger is better. Where are the battleships!

I want BOTH.

 

[william]

I've heard people say large capital ships are sitting ducks and I disagree. They are mobile unlike an Island that is a sitting duck for missile strikes.