Repairs and other problems have delayed the deployment of the USS John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy completed more than 30 hours of sea trials earlier this week, meeting or exceeding all standards necessary to prove the carrier is safe and reliable to conduct sustained combat operations. Since December 11, Kennedy Sailors have worked side-by-side with civilian contractors, around the clock, to correct deficiencies identified in a recent INSURV assessment. Sea trials were the payoff for their efforts. Every area identified as deficient was proven to be operational. According to MMCS(SW) Donald Duffy, engineering aft group leading chief petty officer, the Sailors in Engineering Department have been working especially hard.