Navy Increases NNS Funding for 'JFK' Outfitting

Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division receives an addtional US$ 60.8-million for aircraft carrier 'John F. Kennedy.

The funding increase is to a previously awarded construction preparation contract for purchase of materials in support of aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) construction.

The funds awarded to NNS will be used to purchase long-lead-time materials such as air conditioning systems, controllers and pumps. NNS has performed work on CVN 79 under a construction preparation contract that allows for engineering, planning, long-lead-time material procurement and initial manufacturing to begin before the full construction contract is awarded to improve efficiency. The construction contract is anticipated later this year.

"This additional funding helps us keep our momentum in meeting our efficiency objectives," said Mike Shawcross, NNS vice president, CVN 79 construction. "We have been working with our suppliers to come up with more affordable ways to procure material for the Kennedy, and this contract modification is an example of implementing some of these initiatives."

John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) will continue the Ford-class legacy of highly capable U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ship platforms. Enhancements incorporated into the Ford-class design include flight deck changes, improved weapons handling systems and a redesigned island, all resulting in increased aircraft sortie generation rates. It will also include new nuclear power plants, increased electrical power generation capacity, allowance for future technologies and reduced workload for the sailors, translating to a smaller crew size and reduced operating costs for the Navy.