Newport News Shipbuilding division launched John F Kennedy (CVN 79) into the James River, four weeks ahead of the original schedule. Credit: Ashley Cowan/HII.

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division has launched the US Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, John F Kennedy (CVN 79), into the water for the first time.

The nuclear-powered carrier was launched into the James River for the first time from Newport News Shipbuilding’s Dry Dock 12 on 16 December.

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The ship was then moved to the shipyard’s Pier 3 with the help of six tugboats. It is set to undergo further outfitting and testing at the pier.

John F Kennedy programme director Mike Butler said: “This move is significant in that it represents a shift in focus from erecting the ship in dock to final completion and outfitting at the pier.

“It is also a testament to the amazing teamwork I see every day between Newport News Shipbuilding and the navy as we work together to build Kennedy with valuable first-of-class lessons from the Ford.”

The latest phase of construction on the ship will involve work for a period of two and a half years.

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Work will include completion of berthing and mess areas and the testing of distributive, mechanical and combat systems.

John F Kennedy was christened earlier this month during a ceremony at the Newport News Shipbuilding division.

The newest Gerald R Ford-class ship is the second aircraft carrier named for former US President John F Kennedy.

HII expects to deliver the vessel to the US Navy in 2022.