USS John F Kennedy CVN 79 Aircraft Carrier Overview
The USS John F Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy. The ship is named after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and is designed to be one of the most advanced and capable aircraft carriers in the world.
Design and Construction
The USS John F Kennedy is built by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) at its Newport News Shipbuilding facility in Virginia. The ship’s design is based on the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, with several improvements and upgrades. The construction of the ship began in 2011, and it was officially named on October 29, 2019.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features of the USS John F Kennedy:
- Length: 1,106 feet (337 meters)
- Beam: 257 feet (78 meters)
- Displacement: 100,000 tons
- Speed: In excess of 30 knots (56 km/h)
- Crew: 5,000 personnel
- Aircraft: Can carry up to 75 aircraft, including F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 Hornet, and E-2D Hawkeye
- Propulsion: Two Bechtel A1B nuclear reactors, four main reduction gears, and four propeller shafts
- Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS): A new system that uses electromagnetic energy to launch aircraft, replacing the traditional steam catapult system
Advanced Technology
The USS John F Kennedy features several advanced technologies that make it one of the most capable aircraft carriers in the world. Some of these technologies include:
- Dual-Band Radar (DBR): A new radar system that provides advanced air and surface surveillance capabilities
- Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG): A new arresting gear system that uses a water-cooled induction motor to stop aircraft, replacing the traditional Mk 7 arresting gear
- Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS): A new system that provides advanced self-defense capabilities against anti-ship missiles and other threats
Crew and Personnel
The USS John F Kennedy has a crew of 5,000 personnel, including:
- Aviation personnel: Pilots, aircrew, and maintenance personnel
- Deck personnel: Sailors responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ship
- Engineering personnel: Sailors responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship’s propulsion and electrical systems
Mission and Capabilities
The USS John F Kennedy is designed to conduct a variety of missions, including:
- Power projection: The ability to project power ashore using aircraft and other capabilities
- Air defense: The ability to defend against airborne threats using advanced radar and missile systems
- Maritime security: The ability to conduct maritime security operations, such as counter-piracy and counter-terrorism
Timeline
Here is a brief timeline of the USS John F Kennedy’s construction and commissioning:
- 2011: Construction begins on the USS John F Kennedy
- 2019: The ship is officially named on October 29
- 2020: The ship is expected to be delivered to the US Navy
- 2022: The ship is expected to be fully operational and deployed
📝 Note: The timeline is subject to change based on various factors, including construction delays and changes in naval operations.
Conclusion
The USS John F Kennedy is a state-of-the-art aircraft carrier that represents a significant improvement over previous generations of carriers. With its advanced technology, powerful propulsion system, and highly trained crew, the USS John F Kennedy is poised to play a major role in naval operations for decades to come.
What is the USS John F Kennedy’s top speed?
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The USS John F Kennedy’s top speed is in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).
How many aircraft can the USS John F Kennedy carry?
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The USS John F Kennedy can carry up to 75 aircraft, including F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18 Hornet, and E-2D Hawkeye.
What is the USS John F Kennedy’s propulsion system?
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The USS John F Kennedy is powered by two Bechtel A1B nuclear reactors, four main reduction gears, and four propeller shafts.
Related Terms:
- Huntington Ingalls Industries
- USS Gerald R Ford
- USS Enterprise CVN 80
- USS George H W Bush
- USS John C Stennis
