PCU John F. Kennedy Completes First F-35C Flight Tests

The United States Navy completed the first arrested landing and launch of an F-35C Lightning II fighter aircraft aboard the PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) on October 13, 2026. Conducted in the Western Atlantic by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23, the Aircraft Compatibility Testing evaluated the carrier's Advanced Arresting Gear and Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System.

As the second Ford-class carrier, the John F. Kennedy is the first of its class delivered with the specific modifications necessary to operate the F-35C, a capability the lead ship, USS Gerald R. Ford, lacks. The vessel recently achieved preliminary acceptance and is slated for formal delivery in March 2027, with commissioning expected in the second quarter of 2027.

Once in service, the carrier will be homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Washington, marking the first time a Ford-class carrier is based on the U.S. West Coast. The ship was constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries at its Newport News facility.