HII Completes Inaugural Maintenance and Modernization Period for Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

Rhea-AI Summary

HII, a leader in engineering and defense technologies, has successfully completed the first planned incremental availability (PIA) for the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). This significant six-month modernization ensures the carrier is equipped with advanced technologies before its maiden deployment. The Ford is the first of its class to feature revolutionary systems aimed at enhancing the Navy's air capability. Three more Gerald R. Ford-class carriers are under construction, and mid-life overhauls for two Nimitz-class carriers are underway to extend their service life.

Positive

• Successful completion of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) PIA enhances carrier's modernization.
• Incorporation of 23 advanced technologies positions the Navy for future demands.
• Continuous development with three additional Gerald R. Ford-class carriers in construction.
• Mid-life refueling overhauls on Nimitz-class carriers will extend operational lifespan by 25 years.

Negative

• None.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global engineering and defense technologies provider HII (NYSE:HII) announced today that the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division completed the first planned incremental availability (PIA) for aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). Gerald R. Ford is the first ship in a new class of aircraft carriers that incorporates 23 new technologies, designed to support the Navy’s air wing of the future.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege for our shipbuilding team to ready this most technologically advanced aircraft carrier for the Navy fleet,” said Lucas Hicks, vice president of the Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) aircraft carrier programs. “We look forward to folding what we learned into the entire Gerald R. Ford class, extending the Navy’s power projection advantage around the globe.”

Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers incorporate new technologies such as electromagnetic catapults and weapons elevators, a redesigned flight deck and island, and more than twice the electrical capacity of Nimitz-class carriers. These aircraft carriers are designed to be the centerpiece of the Navy’s deployed battle force and alongside allies and partners, they defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity and keep the seas open and free.

A photo and video accompanying this news release is available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/releases/gerald-r-ford-cvn-78-pia-departure.

The PIA involved six months of modernization and maintenance work to ensure Gerald R. Ford has the most current upgrades prior to the carrier’s maiden deployment. The ship entered the PIA in September 2021 after completing full ship shock trials and a successful post-delivery test and trials period.

Three other Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers are currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding. They include John F. Kennedy, Enterprise (CVN 80) and Doris Miller (CVN 81). In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is conducting mid-life refueling complex overhauls on two Nimitz-class aircraft carriers – USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). These overhauls will extend the service life for each platform by another 25 years, ensuring the Navy is positioned to deploy a fleet of aircraft carriers ready to support national security requirements.

HII is a global engineering and defense technologies provider. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable a networked, all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.hii.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wearehii
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearehii

Contact:

Danny Hernandez
Danny.J.Hernandez@hii-co.com
(202) 580-9086

FAQ

What is the significance of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) PIA completion?

The completion of the PIA for USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) marks a crucial step in ensuring the carrier's advanced capabilities before its first deployment.

What technologies does the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) feature?

USS Gerald R. Ford incorporates 23 new technologies, including electromagnetic catapults and advanced weapons elevators.

How many Gerald R. Ford-class carriers are currently under construction?

Three additional Gerald R. Ford-class carriers are currently under construction at Newport News Shipbuilding.

What is the expected benefit of the Nimitz-class carriers' mid-life overhauls?

The mid-life overhauls are projected to extend the service life of the Nimitz-class carriers by an additional 25 years.

How does HII support U.S. national security?

HII provides advanced engineering and technologies, ensuring the delivery of highly capable naval ships and systems essential for national security.