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Aircraft Carriers
Newport News Shipbuilding’s long and distinguished history of aircraft carrier construction dates back more than 75 years and begins with the U.S. Navy’s first new construction carrier USS Ranger (CV 4). Since USS Ranger’s delivery in 1934, we have built 30 aircraft carriers, including the world’s first nuclear-powered carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and all 10 of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered carriers.
Today, we are the nation’s sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Our Newport News shipbuilders are designing and building the next-generation of aircraft carriers – the Gerald R. Ford class. The Ford class features an enhanced flight deck with increased aircraft sortie rates, improved weapons movement, a redesigned island, a new nuclear power plant, electromagnetic catapults, and growth margin for future technologies and reduced manning. The first ship of the class, Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), is under construction and scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2015. Initial construction of the second ship of the class, the John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), began in December 2010.
Submarines
Using expertise developed from building 62 submarines over four decades, Newport News Shipbuilding is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines. We also provide design and engineering services and fleet maintenance support around the world.
We are building the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced attack submarines in the world – the Virginia class. Designed to meet the Navy’s requirements in a post-Cold War era, Virginia-class submarines use advanced technologies to increase firepower, maneuverability and stealth. The 377-feet long submarines are capable of submerged speeds of more than 25 knots and can stay submerged for up to three months at a time. Under an innovative agreement, Newport News Shipbuilding is producing these submarines as part of a team with General Dynamics Electric Boat. The team has delivered the first seven boats of the class and has been recognized as the best shipbuilding program in the Navy. Prior to the Virginia-class, Newport News Shipbuilding designed the Los Angeles-class submarine and constructed 30 of the 62 boats built.
