NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Franklin, Kentucky 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.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joshua Durham, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy, discussed the pride in serving on board the second Ford-class aircraft carrier.
“I am excited to be a part of the first crew and help bring a ship into naval service that my children or future grandchildren could serve on one day,” said Durham.
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. Durham discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Serving with courage means to always stand for what is right and just, even though the toughest challenges,” said Durham.
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.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joshua Durham, who is assigned to PCU John F. Kennedy, discussed the pride in serving on board the second Ford-class aircraft carrier.
“I am excited to be a part of the first crew and help bring a ship into naval service that my children or future grandchildren could serve on one day,” said Durham.
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. Durham discussed what Serving with Courage means to him.
“Serving with courage means to always stand for what is right and just, even though the toughest challenges,” said Durham.
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.