HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding Completes Successful Builder’s Sea Trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)
Rhea-AI Summary
HII (NYSE: HII) announced that Newport News Shipbuilding completed builder’s sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear aircraft carrier, on Feb. 4, 2026. The trials tested key ship systems and demonstrated operational capability with shipbuilders, sailors and Navy personnel involved.
The release highlights Ford-class design enhancements including increased operational efficiency, reduced manning, a new nuclear power plant and greater electrical generation capacity as built into CVN 79.
Positive
- Completed builder's sea trials for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) on Feb. 4, 2026
- Ford-class design enhancements claimed to boost operational efficiency and reduce manning
- Ship incorporates a new nuclear power plant with increased electrical generation capacity
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
While HII was up 2.22% ahead of this operational milestone, four aerospace/defense peers in the momentum scan (including RKLB, KTOS, AVAV, BWXT) were all moving down with a median move of about -12.9%, indicating stock-specific strength for HII against broader sector weakness.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 29 | Leadership appointment | Neutral | -1.7% | New vice president of infrastructure and sustainability named at Ingalls Shipbuilding. |
| Jan 28 | Corporate milestone | Positive | +0.6% | Newport News Shipbuilding celebrates 140 years and highlights scale of operations. |
| Jan 26 | Leadership appointment | Neutral | +2.2% | HII appoints new vice president of contracts and pricing at Ingalls Shipbuilding. |
| Jan 22 | Operations update | Positive | -1.3% | Charleston Operations marks one year, exceeding 2025 production targets and expanding model. |
| Jan 21 | Program milestone | Positive | +1.7% | Ingalls completes builder’s sea trials for USS Zumwalt after extensive modernization. |
Recent HII news has mostly been operational or organizational updates, with generally modest price reactions that tend to align with the positive tone of shipbuilding and capability milestones.
Over the last few weeks, HII has issued a series of operational and organizational updates. On Jan. 21, completion of builder’s sea trials for USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) coincided with a +1.71% move. A Charleston Operations update on Jan. 22, highlighting exceeded 2025 production targets, saw a -1.31% reaction, marking a divergence from its positive tone. Subsequent leadership changes and the 140-year Newport News milestone produced small, mixed moves. Today’s successful builder’s sea trials for CVN 79 fit this pattern of ship-program execution milestones.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a key program milestone as Newport News Shipbuilding completes builder’s sea trials for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), advancing the second Ford-class nuclear-powered carrier toward fleet delivery. Recent history shows similar ship and yard updates, including Zumwalt sea trials and Charleston production achievements. With shares trading near the 52-week high and above the 200-day MA, investors may focus on continued execution of carrier programs, future modernization work, and the cadence of major U.S. Navy milestones when assessing HII’s trajectory.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has successfully completed builder’s sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Kennedy returned to NNS after testing important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.
“Taking Kennedy to sea is a testament to the grit and determination of the world’s finest shipbuilders,” said Derek Murphy, NNS vice president of new construction aircraft carrier programs. “Our nation is depending on us to deliver these critical assets that will protect freedom around the world and we’re proud to see CVN 79 take another step toward joining the fleet.”
The sea trials brought together NNS shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors and Navy personnel to execute the testing and demonstrate ship operations.
CVN 79 continues the legacy of highly capable nuclear-powered aircraft carrier platforms. Ford-class enhancements incorporated into the design support increased operational efficiency and reduced manning requirements. The Ford class also features a new nuclear power plant, and increased electrical power-generation capacity.
Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hiis-newport-news-shipbuilding-completes-successful-builders-sea-trials-of-john-f-kennedy-cvn-79/.
About HII
HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.
With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s 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 X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
- HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII
- HII on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/WeAreHII
Contact:
Todd Corillo
Todd.T.Corillo@hii-co.com
(757) 688-3220
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5f21ea44-2b93-449c-977a-2d66480cafec
FAQ
What did HII announce about CVN 79 on Feb. 4, 2026?
What systems were tested during John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) builder’s sea trials by HII?
How do Ford-class enhancements on CVN 79 affect operations, according to HII?
Who participated in CVN 79’s builder’s sea trials organized by HII?
What is the significance of completing builder’s sea trials for HII’s CVN 79?
