HII wins Navy Contract Modifications to Complete CVN 79
Huntington Ingalls Industries has received a series of contract modifications totaling over $142 million to finalize capability enhancements and change orders for the second ship in the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier program.
The U.S. Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls Incorporated, based in Newport News, Virginia, a combination of contract modifications to support completion of the Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), according to a release from the Department of War.
The award includes four separate contractual actions: a $60,000,000 cost-reimbursable modification, a $58,556,527 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification, a $20,924,993 fixed-price-incentive (firm target) modification, and a $3,436,456 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification.
According to the Navy, the funding supports “improvements to ship capability at delivery” and “definitization of unpriced change orders” for CVN 79. No funding is being obligated at the time of award, and the work will be performed entirely in Newport News, Virginia, where Huntington Ingalls’ shipbuilding division is located. The current schedule projects work completion by June 2026.
The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), manufactured by Huntington Ingalls and operated by the U.S. Navy, is the second carrier in the Ford-class program. The ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting and testing ahead of its expected commissioning. Ford-class carriers represent the Navy’s most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier design and feature improved power generation, weapons handling systems, and flight deck configurations.
The awarded contract modifications are intended to refine combat system integration, logistics support elements, and additional configuration changes initiated during the post-launch outfitting period. The Navy regularly executes post-construction contract actions like these to align with evolving requirements, testing outcomes, and fleet feedback during pre-commissioning.
According to Naval Sea Systems Command, the changes are part of a standard process to “improve capability at ship delivery” and to resolve prior change orders under formal pricing terms. These adjustments help ensure that CVN 79 meets the required operational capability before joining the fleet.
In previous statements, Huntington Ingalls has emphasized its focus on delivery readiness and long-term supportability for Ford-class carriers. The company is the sole designer and builder of the Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, with all construction for CVN 79 taking place at the Newport News facility.
The USS John F. Kennedy follows the lead ship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), which was commissioned in 2017 and is currently operational with the U.S. Navy. CVN 79 is expected to feature enhancements based on lessons learned from CVN 78’s deployment and will serve as a forward-deployed platform capable of supporting carrier air wing operations, maritime security, and global force projection.