Key Factors: The U.S. Navy is ready to discipline two warships named after the Kennedy brothers. The usJohn F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier, faces supply delays however continues to progress below new management.
-In the meantime, the USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208), a John Lewis-class replenishment oiler, has been delivered, enhancing the Navy’s logistics capabilities.
-Fleet replenishment oilers just like the USNS Robert F. Kennedy guarantee provider strike teams stay operational for prolonged missions.
-Extra oilers below development, together with future vessels like USNS Harriet Tubman, promise to strengthen the Navy’s capability to maintain international operations.
The U.S. Navy Will Have Two “Kennedy” Warships
The US Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered supercarrier – the long run USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) – was initially contracted for a 2018 supply date, which was pushed again by two years, earlier than slipping once more. At this level, the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) warship, additionally the second provider to be named for the late president, gained’t be delivered to the U.S. Navy till at the least July of subsequent yr.
In September, PCU John F. Kennedy noticed a change of command, as Captain Colin P. Day retired from the Navy after 28 years of lively service. Because the warship’s commanding officer he by no means was capable of take the still-under-construction warship to sea, however oversaw the supply and set up of quite a few ship-wide methods that can guarantee it’s a succesful warship whereas others will improve the long run crews’ high quality of life.
Capt. Douglas M. Langenberg is now the third commanding officer and can oversee the efforts to finish the Gerald R. Ford-class supercarrier and supply to the Navy.
The USNS Robert F. Kennedy Has Been Delivered
When USS John F. Kennedy lastly is accepted by the ocean service, it can be part of a fleet that will even function a vessel named for President Kennedy’s brother, the late Legal professional Basic and later Senator Robert F. Kennedy – who was assassinated throughout his famed 1968 presidential run.
This week, the U.S. Navy introduced it had accepted supply of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO-208). The vessel had not too long ago concluded its “Built-in Sea Trials,” which ensured the ship’s “readiness and capabilities.”
“This supply is a major milestone as we carry one other oiler to our fleet and improve our replenishment underway capabilities,” mentioned John Lighthammer, program supervisor, Auxiliary and Particular Mission Ships, Program Govt Workplace, Ships (PEO Ships). “That is the ultimate stepping stone in getting this important ship to our civilian mariners in want of its instruments.”
The Unsung Workhorses of the Navy
Although not floor combatants, fleet replenishment oilers can precisely be described because the unsung heroes of the fleet. These vessels are what permit the U.S. Navy’s provider strike teams (CSG) to spend months at sea – and are basically a supply service of meals, gas, and different provides.
This was highlighted in October, when the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USNS Massive Horn (T-AO-198) ran aground and partially flooded off Oman, exposing the Navy’s “Achilles Heel.” There have been issues that the incident may have impacted operations for the Abraham Lincoln Provider Strike Group, which was deployed to the area to counter Houthi aggression.
Presently, the U.S. Navy doesn’t have sufficient of the vessels in service – however assistance is on the best way.
The U.S. Navy plane provider USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) underway by itself energy for the primary time. The primary-of-class ship — the primary new U.S. plane provider design in 40 years — spent a number of days conducting builder’s sea trials, a complete take a look at of most of the ship’s key methods and applied sciences.
In response to Naval Sea Methods Command, which is described because the drive behind the fleet, shipbuilder Basic Dynamics NASSCO is manufacturing the T-AOs USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209), USNS Sojourner Reality (T-AO 210), USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), and USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212).
“The longer term USNS Harriet Tubman (T-AO 213) and USNS Dolores Huerta (T-AO 214) are below contract. Moreover, a Block Purchase contract was issued in September 2024 for the detailed design and development of T-AO 214-221,” NAVSEA defined.
Within the years to return it’s seemingly USNS Robert F. Kennedy and ships like it can guarantee USS John F. Kennedy can accomplish its mission throughout lengthy deployments.
Writer Expertise and Experience: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Senior Editor specializing in protection points for 19FortyFive. He has contributed to greater than 4 dozen magazines, newspapers, and web sites with over 3,500 revealed items over a twenty-year profession in journalism. He frequently writes about army {hardware}, firearms historical past, cybersecurity, politics, and worldwide affairs. Peter can be a Contributing Author for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You possibly can observe him on X: @PeterSuciu – and on Bluesky: @petersuciu.bsky.social.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/archetype/4GX3EMIJJNC3DMQKVRDLGXGROQ.jpg?w=120&resize=120,86&ssl=1)
