NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – An Atlanta, Georgia native, assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) to participate in the christening of the U.S. Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier during a ceremony in Newport News, Dec. 7.
The Navy will christen its newest aircraft carrier on Saturday, Dec 7, 2019, during a ceremony at the Huntington-Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard in Newport News.
Machinist Mate 1st Class Jamarcus Gholston, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy, discussed the pride in serving on board the second Ford-class aircraft carrier.
“The name John F. Kennedy means a lot to me,” said Gholston. “My father’s middle name is Fitzgerald, named after the former president. I have grown up hearing this from my Grandmother, and now to serve on the namesake is a great honor. When the opportunity arose to come here, I took it.”
On Nov. 6, nearly a month earlier, the crew of PCU John F. Kennedy officially revealed the carrier’s seal. The seal is crafted to integrate elements that honor President John. F. Kennedy, his service to the Navy, and his vision for space exploration.
“John F. Kennedy displayed extraordinary courage, both in combat as a naval officer, and as president of the United States,” said Marzano. “This is a very appropriate and powerful design and motto for a great ship, and an extremely fitting way to honor President Kennedy’s legacy.”
The seal features 35 stars located on the outer ring of the seal that represents the life and presidency of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The 35th star is positioned after his middle initial and two gold stars are placed between the CVN and the number 79 symbolizing the second Ford aircraft carrier bearing John F. Kennedy’s name and legacy.
The Roman numeral “CIX” or 109, which is a tribute to President Kennedy’s heroic naval service as commander of Patrol Boat 109 in the South Pacific. Additionally, the moon backdrop represents President Kennedy’s instrumental role in the U.S.’s space program.
Anchoring these and other elements on the seal is the ship’s motto – Serve with Courage. Gholston discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Courage is the ability to do something when it is not popular, you still do it because you know it’s the right thing to do,” said Gholston.
Other recent milestones PCU John F. Kennedy have completed include the ship’s dry dock was flooded on Oct. 29, officially launching the aircraft carrier approximately three months early to the original schedule. The ship's keel was laid on Aug. 22, 2015, and placement of the 588-metric ton island superstructure was completed on May 29, 2019.
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second aircraft carrier in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class. With its embarked air wing and other carrier strike group assets, CVN 79 will serve as the centerpiece of national defense, providing the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.
Machinist Mate 1st Class Jamarcus Gholston, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy, discussed the pride in serving on board the second Ford-class aircraft carrier.
“The name John F. Kennedy means a lot to me,” said Gholston. “My father’s middle name is Fitzgerald, named after the former president. I have grown up hearing this from my Grandmother, and now to serve on the namesake is a great honor. When the opportunity arose to come here, I took it.”
On Nov. 6, nearly a month earlier, the crew of PCU John F. Kennedy officially revealed the carrier’s seal. The seal is crafted to integrate elements that honor President John. F. Kennedy, his service to the Navy, and his vision for space exploration.
“John F. Kennedy displayed extraordinary courage, both in combat as a naval officer, and as president of the United States,” said Marzano. “This is a very appropriate and powerful design and motto for a great ship, and an extremely fitting way to honor President Kennedy’s legacy.”
The seal features 35 stars located on the outer ring of the seal that represents the life and presidency of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. The 35th star is positioned after his middle initial and two gold stars are placed between the CVN and the number 79 symbolizing the second Ford aircraft carrier bearing John F. Kennedy’s name and legacy.
The Roman numeral “CIX” or 109, which is a tribute to President Kennedy’s heroic naval service as commander of Patrol Boat 109 in the South Pacific. Additionally, the moon backdrop represents President Kennedy’s instrumental role in the U.S.’s space program.
Anchoring these and other elements on the seal is the ship’s motto – Serve with Courage. Gholston discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Courage is the ability to do something when it is not popular, you still do it because you know it’s the right thing to do,” said Gholston.
Other recent milestones PCU John F. Kennedy have completed include the ship’s dry dock was flooded on Oct. 29, officially launching the aircraft carrier approximately three months early to the original schedule. The ship's keel was laid on Aug. 22, 2015, and placement of the 588-metric ton island superstructure was completed on May 29, 2019.
PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is the second aircraft carrier in the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class. With its embarked air wing and other carrier strike group assets, CVN 79 will serve as the centerpiece of national defense, providing the core capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance.