8 | 24 | 2015
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
NNS Lays the Keel for John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) More than 1,500 guests were present as Newport News Shipbuilding laid the keel for aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford class on Saturday, Aug. 22. Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the ship’s namesake, the 35th President of the United States, is the ship’s sponsor. She declared the keel “truly and fairly laid” via video to signify the ceremonial start of construction. Senior Reproduction Clerk Antuan Barnes sang the national anthem and Welder Donald Newsome delivered the invocation.
“The aircraft carrier came of age in a time of conflict,” Caroline said. “It was untested, and the capabilities it brought were questioned. Since those early days, the carrier has come to be recognized as a symbol of peace, strength and freedom.” Caroline’s video was introduced by her cousin, Rep. Joseph Kennedy, D-Mass. Other ceremony participants included Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe; Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va.; Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.; Vice Adm. William Hilarides; Assistant Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley; Rear Adm. Earl Yates, the first
commanding officer of CV 67, the first aircraft carrier to bear the name John F. Kennedy; and NNS President Matt Mulherin. During the ceremony, Caroline’s initials were welded onto a steel plate by Leon Walston, a Newport News welder from Massachusetts. The plate will be permanently affixed to the ship, signifying the sponsor’s enduring relationship with the shipbuilders and crew. In his remarks, Stackley expressed the significance of aircraft carriers, calling upon shipbuilders to recognize the importance of ... CONTINUED ON PG 2
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